Kathmandu— Sriram Haridass, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative for Nepal, met with Nisha Mehta, the country's Minister for Health and Food Safety, to discuss strengthening cooperation in key public health areas. The courtesy call took place at Minister Mehta’s office on Monday afternoon, focusing on initiatives related to women and children’s health, maternity care, and population management. Discussions also encompassed improving access to quality healthcare, family planning services, gender equality, and mental health support.

Focus on Maternal and Child Health

The primary focus of the meeting was expanding collaboration in the areas of women and children’s health, with a particular emphasis on maternity health. Both Haridass and Mehta acknowledged the importance of these sectors for Nepal's overall development and expressed interest in joint programs to improve outcomes.

The discussion also touched upon improving access to quality healthcare services for women and children, signaling a commitment to addressing existing gaps in service delivery.

Population Management and Family Planning

Population management was another key topic discussed during the meeting. Haridass and Mehta explored potential avenues for collaboration on initiatives aimed at responsible population growth and sustainable development.

The pair also addressed family planning, recognizing its crucial role in empowering individuals and improving reproductive health outcomes.

Mental Health and Gender Equality

Beyond traditional healthcare concerns, the meeting extended to discussions about mental health services. This indicates a growing recognition of the importance of addressing psychological well-being as an integral part of overall health.

The officials also emphasized the need for ensuring gender equality within the healthcare system and broader society.

The Ministry of Health and Food Safety indicated that further details regarding specific collaborative projects are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.