Family Planning Association of India (FPAI), Nagaland Branch, organised a programme in commemoration of its 75th anniversary at Muskan Youth Centre, here on Tuesday.
Special guest, chief medical officer, Kohima, Dr Leamnyei Konyak, in his address, lauded the pioneers of both the national and state branches for their commendable achievements since the organization’s inception in 1949.
Dr. Konyak highlighted that Nagaland state branch, established in 1976, was nearing its Golden Jubilee.
The FPAI was formed in response to the detrimental effects of having too many children and repeated pregnancies on women’s health.
Recognizing this, a group of concerned intellectual women established the Family Planning Association of India in 1949, which later affiliated with the International Planned Parenthood Federation.
FPAI is a voluntary, non-governmental organization that spearheaded the family planning movement in India, he said.
The Association addresses a wide range of sexual and reproductive health and rights issues, including family planning, maternal health, child survival, HIV and AIDS, safe abortion, and reproductive tract cancer screening and prevention.
Additionally, FPAI focuses on gender empowerment, youth engagement, and the mitigation of gender-based violence.
Key strategies of FPAI include ensuring access to high-quality sexual and reproductive health services, strengthening access to information and services for young people, providing comprehensive sexuality education, and building the capacity of healthcare providers and community volunteers on sexual and reproductive health issues.
The organization engages with communities and individuals to address gender disparities, promote sexual and reproductive health and rights, provide livelihood opportunities for the economic empowerment of the poor and vulnerable, and advocate for policy changes at the national and state levels.
Dr. Konyak emphasized several significant benefits of family planning services, such as preventing pregnancy-related health risks in women, reducing infant and maternal mortality, helping to prevent HIV and AIDS, empowering individuals, enhancing education, reducing adolescent pregnancies, improving quality of life, and slowing population growth.
In his congratulatory address, Dr. Konyak expressed sincere gratitude to the association for its efforts in empowering people, transforming gender norms, and promoting gender equality.
He acknowledged FPAI’s role in reducing gender-based violence and improving the economic status of women and other vulnerable groups in Nagaland through its family planning services.
As the association celebrates 75 years of existence, Dr. Konyak noted that the milestone was significant not only for FPAI but also for the state of Nagaland. He encouraged the audience to reflect on past achievements and look forward with renewed vision and plans. He expressed hope that the Association would continue to grow and excel in serving humanity.
Earlier, FPAI’s 75 years of service was highlighted by general manager, Vincent Belho.
The celebration was compered by youth volunteer, BSC, Alenuo Kelio while welcome address was delivered by youth volunteer, BSC, Atsibu Üsou. Chairman’s address was delivered by chairperson, BSC, Thejavizo Kire, ASRHiE in humanitarian setting was shared by program officer, Vingosanuo Khatso while vote of thanks was proposed by counsellor, Punasongla Jamir.