Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister, Upendra Yadav, addressed the 57th Session of Population and Development at the United Nations in New York this week, highlighting the achievements of Nepal in poverty reduction, healthcare, and child mortality rates, citing constitutional and legal frameworks.
Yadav underlined Nepal’s dedication to the UN Population and Development Corporation program, established in Cairo three decades ago and recognized the difficulties in accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. However, he also emphasized Nepal’s improvements in enshrining reproductive rights, safe motherhood, gender equality, and human rights in its constitution.
In an indication of a more comprehensive approach to population control, Yadav has announced the introduction of a new national population policy for Nepal that seeks to address issues including family planning, youth development, and internal migration.
Here’s a snapshot of Nepal’s current demographic situation (according to World Bank data):
- Population: Approximately 29.2 million (2023)
- Median Age: 22.8 years (2023)
- Fertility Rate: 1.89 births per woman (2023)
While Yadav highlighted Nepal’s success in reducing child mortality, continued investment is crucial. According to UNICEF, Nepal’s infant mortality rate is still 28.2 per 1,000 live births (2020).
The young population of Nepal has both opportunities and challenges. Yadav pointed out that, in order to fully realize the potential of this demographic dividend, investments in healthcare, education, and job development are necessary.
The new population policy is a positive step towards addressing these challenges. Additionally, Nepal’s recognition of safe abortion as a human right aligns with global efforts to promote women’s reproductive health.
Yadav expressed concerns about how climate change is affecting human existence. Nepal is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, and tackling this escalating challenge is necessary to ensure sustainable development.
Nepal’s participation in the UN Population Forum is evidence of its determination to realize sustainable development objectives and create a brighter future for its people. A crucial document to watch will be the upcoming population policy, which will outline Nepal’s plans for navigating its demographic landscape in the years to come.
