A Female Clinical Epidemiology Profile of Nepali Women: A Call for Targeted Health Interventions-The Nepal Family Cohort Study

Women's health is a critical determinant of gender equality, economic development, and sustainable progress. This study provides a comprehensive clinical epidemiological overview of Nepali women using baseline data from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), with a focus on non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, mental health, and gender-based violence. Despite notable advancements in policy—such as the legalization of abortion, implementation of reproductive health programs, and expansion of maternal health services—persistent challenges remain. These include inadequate menstrual hygiene, unsafe abortions, child marriage, adolescent pregnancies, and insufficient mental health support. Systemic disparities are particularly evident among women from marginalized and rural communities, who face intersecting barriers related to caste, geography, and socio-economic status. The findings emphasize the need for a life cycle approach to healthcare, inclusive service delivery, intersectional strategies, and integration of second-trimester abortion care into the Basic Health Care Package. While Nepal has made commendable progress in women's health policy, implementation gaps continue to undermine equity and access, highlighting the urgent need for targeted, gender-transformative interventions.