Wokha records highest teen pregnancy

Wokha district has recorded the highest number of teen pregnancy compared to other districts of Nagaland, said medical officer (AYUSH), Chukitong Dr. Thungdeno Murry.
According to DIPR report, the MO was speaking at an awareness programme on “substance abuse and teenager pregnancy” on January 24 at Longsa village, Wokha held to commemorate “National Girl Child Day”.
Expressing concern on the high rate of teen pregnancy, Dr. Murry said the need of the society was to wake up and take action in preventing the problem.
Speaking on the impact of teen pregnancy, he said because of teen pregnancy many of the young teens are unable to continue their education leading to higher dropout rates in the district.
Dr. Murry also shared on the importance of providing sex education to young boys and girls by their parents. She called on the parents to keep aside their hesitancy and uneasiness in talking about sex in the family and to speak openly to their children so that they would be equipped with proper knowledge and hence, prevent teen pregnancy.
Delivering keynote address, Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) Wokha, I. Yentinoungbou exhorted the participants to listen to the voice of girls and women in the society and not to suppress it.
Commenting on property rights, he encouraged the participants to give equal share to their daughters as they are also their offspring just like their sons. He addressed the problem of inheritance that was plaguing the Naga society.
Speaking on the impact of substance abuse disorder, medical officer of Nyiro PHC Dr. Thungjamo mentioned the factors that lead to substance abuse in an individual and how parents as well as the society could work together in helping an individual fight against this disorder.
He also encouraged the participants to involve themselves in such kind of awareness programmes so as to help themselves or someone who are in need of intervention.
Speech on the importance of girl child education was also delivered by Anuranjan Singh of Mahatma Gandhi National Fellow, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India.
He stated that parents should not decide their children’s career, rather they should encourage and support them to choose and make their own career path which he said will eventually lead to healthy society for the girl child to grow.
Later, the programme ended with a vote of thanks by Women Welfare Officer, DLCW-MSK, Wokha, Wonchano E. Enny.