Department of Health & Family Welfare (DoH&FW) Nagaland observed “World Population Day (WPD)” under the theme, “On the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mohatsav, let us take a pledge to adopt family planning as a choice for happiness and prosperity” on July 11.
To mark the day, the department also launched population stabilization fortnight (July 11-24) and “SAARTHI-awareness on wheels” across the state.
Mon: District Health Society (DHS) Mon launched “World Population Day 2023” campaign and “SAARTHI-awareness on wheels” at District Hospital Mon (DHM).
At the programme, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Mon, Dr. Vizokholu Theyo elucidated on the theme message, “unleashing the power of gender equality: uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities”.
She also introduced SAARTHI- awareness on wheels under “Mission Parivar Vikas”, where wide awareness on basket of choices on family planning FP services would be disseminated to the communities and to let know about the campaign which would last till July 24.
Dr. Theyo also mentioned how the country was accelerating in population growth and its impact. She briefly explained the activities and packages under FP programme in the district and encouraged all the staffs to give awareness and to take advantage of the facilities available.
The CMO also persuaded all her staffs to come together and to focus on finding a solution to numerous challenges which the district was facing.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ajit Kumar Verma deliberated on the history of the population growth of the country and the major challenges faced by the government to control population.
He also thanked and appreciated the efforts taken by the block ASHA coordinators and the entire medical team in mobilizing the people about the advantages of FP.
Verma encouraged the department to achieve the desired goal of the campaign and added that the benefits provided by the government should be made accessible to the remotest part of the district.
The DC also highlighted on the relation between the population and development and how the community contributes in the sustainable development of the country by the way one adopts and understand the importance of family planning.
A skit on family planning choices was displayed by block ASHA coordinators.
Zunheboto: District Health Society (DHS) Zunheboto observed “World Population Day” at Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Zunheboto office and at all health units across the district.
During the programme at Zunheboto, CMO Zunheboto, Dr. Zathung Lotha said the “World Population Day” was observed to create awareness and sensitize the people about the issues of the global population and importance of reproduction health.
Resource person, DPO (UIP&RCH) Zunheboto, Dr. Heto Swu urged the health workers to encourage eligible couples to keep adequate spacing between two children for the health of the mother and child.
He further informed that the “World Population Fortnight” would be observed from July 11-24 at all health units across the district.
The programme was attended by Dy CMO, Medical officers, DPMU
Noklak: The “World Population Day” was observed on July 11 across Noklak district with Deputy Commissioner (DC) Noklak, Arikumba as the special guest.
Speaking at the programme, Arikumba reminded the audience on the rising global population concerns and issues accelerating at alarming pace, from poverty to economy to maternal health which required everyone’s attention.
He cited issues related to over population like unemployment, food and nutrition problems, famine, starving, housing, increasing pressure on cities and developments of slums, heavy burden on resources, decreasing agricultural land, continues destruction of forests, threat to environment including wildlife, political instability, war, social evils and corruptions.
General Manager of FPA India, Nagaland Branch, Vincent Belho spoke on the significance of “World Population Day” and contextual understanding to Naga society.
Belho said FPA India Nagaland Branch primary objective was quality population and not volumes, although family planning does contribute to population stabilization. He emphasized on gender equality, accessibility to birth spacing devices and contraceptives so that every pregnancy was planned, wanted and does not end up in unsafe abortions.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) cum MS, Noklak district, Dr Victor NC spoke on the medical services on family planning. He expressed concern on lack of male involvement in family planning while women undergoing unplanned repeated pregnancies without birth spacing causing much health complications to both mother and child.
Dr. Victor said man should partner with their spouse and plan their pregnancy so to avoid any reproductive health complications of unplanned pregnancy that results in unsafe abortions.
He also informed the gathering on the different types of contraceptive devices and methods available for birth spacing including incentives to those who take up permanent methods of contraceptives on achieving their desired family size.
