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© 2021 Omar Havana
KATHMANDU, NEPAL - FEBRUARY 12: Munni, 18 years old, lays in a bed with her 21-days-old baby who was born prematurely at 28 weeks at the T.U. Teaching Hospital on February 12, 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Premature babies are particularly at risk of health complications, including breathing, heart, brain, temperature control, gastrointestinal, blood, metabolism and immune system problems. From 1996 to 2006, Nepal reduced by close to 50% its maternal mortality rate, going from 539 deaths in 100,000 to 281, making Nepal a success story. However, each year, 57,000 under-five children still lose their lives, with 54% of those cases occurring within the first month after birth. In 2013, only 50% of births were attended by skilled birth attendants. Several issues remain to be addressed with regards to maternal and newborn health, including tackling inequalities, improving access to care in remote areas, improving quality of care, increasing the use of family planning methods, and reducing malnutrition. Photo: © Omar Havana for UNICEF