Nepal sees huge rise in maternal deaths as Covid keeps women at home

Health workers fear deaths could reach levels not seen this century as up to 90% miss check-ups and many opt for home births

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Earlier this month, 21-year-old Lakhu BK decided to have her baby at home in her village in the far west of Nepal. She had feared contracting Covid-19 if she went to a health centre. She lost her life giving birth.

I thought my daughter-in-law will die from [the] virus but did not think she would die from being unable to give birth," said her mother-in-law, Pamfi BK, 50.