Birendranagar, April 14 -- While older women in Karnali Province lived through child marriage, malnutrition and high maternal and infant mortality, a younger generation is increasingly moving away from restrictive traditions by adopting modern healthcare and professional medical advice.

Sugani Damai, 48, from Rokayagaun in Adanchuli Rural Municipality-3, Humla, was married at age 5. She became a mother at 16 and lost her first child soon after birth.

"He was underweight at birth and grew weaker and thinner. He died within a few months," Sugani recalled. "I lost my firstborn. The memory still haunts me."

She later realised her son likely died due to malnutrition. She went on to have two more sons. At the time of her delivery, feeding co...