Kathmandu, Dec. 21 -- The fate of the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey planned for 2026 is in jeopardy, as authorities have failed to secure funding for the study, which is instrumental in shaping public health policies.

If halted, it would be the latest in a series of suspensions, as multiple other studies, including the Nepal Micronutrient Survey planned to be carried out within 2025, have already been suspended indefinitely due to a funding crunch.

Several programmes in Nepal's health sector including vital data collection efforts that officials say are essential for mapping progress and formulating new policies, have been halted following the suspension of assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (US...