DIMAPUR: World Population Day under the theme “Healthy Timing and Spacing between Pregnancies for well‑being of mother and child and to prevent unintended pregnancies” was observed in Kohima and Wokha districts with programmes organised by the District Health Societies under NHM.
In Kohima, the programme was held at the CMO’s conference hall on July 11. Speaking on the occasion, DPO (RMNCAH+N) Dr. Khrievilhou Nakhro highlighted the importance of World Population Day and Population Campaign being observed from July 11 to 18, 2026. He also spoke on family planning choices and ongoing activities under Mission Parivar Vikas, including “SAARTHI on Wheels.”
Advocacy and awareness campaigns are being carried out across all blocks and villages under Kohima district. These include exhibitions on family planning methods, use of contraceptives and spacing techniques, counselling of clients on the basket of choices, and motivation of eligible couples to avail services such as IUCD and PPIUCD insertions, condoms, tubectomy and vasectomy, along with awareness on HIV and AIDS.
Messages being disseminated during the campaign include delaying age at marriage, healthy spacing at birth, postpartum family planning, male participation in family planning and post abortion family planning.
As part of Population Fortnight, IEC activities such as interpersonal communication and focus group discussions are being conducted in selected health units. Pamphlets, leaflets, banners and posters are also being distributed and displayed at prominent places in line with the New Family Planning Media Campaign.
In Wokha, the observance was held at the Conference Hall, Dr. Motsuo Memorial District Hospital (DMMH) on July 13.
Chairing the programme, Dr. Thunchangbemo Ezung, Chief Medical Officer Wokha, welcomed participants and encouraged health workers to conduct family planning activities during World Population Day and Stabilization Fortnight in the district.
Delivering the theme address, Dr. Benchumi Humtsoe, Medical Officer (Obs & Gynae), DMMH Wokha, stressed the importance of healthy spacing and timing between pregnancies. She explained that pregnancy and breastfeeding deplete vital nutrients such as iron and calcium, and adequate time is required for replenishment. Citing World Health Organisation recommendations, she said at least two years of spacing was necessary to safeguard maternal health. Very short inter pregnancy intervals, she cautioned, could lead to complications including maternal anaemia, nutritional deficiencies and low birth weight babies.
On unintended pregnancies, Dr. Benchumi pointed to lack of reproductive health education, limited access to family planning services and socio cultural barriers as contributing factors. She urged health workers to educate communities on available family planning services at government health centres.
Dr. John Kent, Assistant Medical Superintendent and Paediatrician, DMMH Wokha, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was attended by senior medical officers, district programme staff, ASHA coordinators, urban ASHAs and medical personnel.