DIMAPUR: Along with the rest of the world, World Population Day 2026 and Population Week (July 11–18) was observed across Nagaland under the theme “Healthy Timing and Spacing between pregnancies for well being of mother and child and to prevent unintended pregnancies.”
In Dimapur, the programme was held at the CMO’s Conference Hall, chaired by Dr. Rongsennungla, DPO RCH/UIP. Speaking on the theme, Dr. T. Yetovi Tuccu, CMO Dimapur, emphasized that every pregnancy should be by choice and cautioned against complications from unplanned pregnancies. He urged medical staff to counsel beneficiaries on the range of family planning methods available, stressing that informed choice and healthy spacing are vital for maternal and child health. During the week long observance, free family planning services, counselling, sterilization, focus group discussions and awareness programmes will be conducted.
In Phek, the observance was held at the CMO Office, chaired by Akulu, BAC Phek Sadar. Theme speaker Dr. Pangertemsu, gynaecologist and obstetrician, highlighted the importance of family planning, maternal health and reproductive healthcare in building healthy families. He urged health workers to encourage couples to utilize family planning services, register early for ante natal care, attend regular check ups and opt for institutional deliveries. IEC activities, counselling, distribution of materials and focus group discussions will be carried out during the campaign.
In Mokokchung, the programme was held at the CMO’s Conference Hall, chaired by Dr. Limanaro, DPO UIP & RCH. She reiterated the importance of family planning choices and healthy spacing, stressing that the observance is not only to create awareness on available services but also to emphasize safe timing between pregnancies. She informed that advocacy and awareness campaigns will be conducted across blocks and villages, including counselling on contraceptives, sterilization, IUCD services and distribution of IEC materials.
In Peren, to mark the day, a sensitization programme on family planning was held under the theme “Healthy timing and spacing between pregnancies for well being of mother and to prevent unintended pregnancies” at BAC Jalukie block, chaired by Samzai.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Velentina Neikha, DPO (RCH & UIP) emphasized the importance of spacing between pregnancies and creating awareness on the benefits of having a small family, with special focus on various family planning methods. She encouraged participants to utilize available resources effectively, stressing that investing in young people through healthy habits, education, access to health services and social security coverage is the best way to secure the future generation.
Free services such as vasectomy, IUCD, distribution of condoms, ECP and counselling were made available at health units. The programme was attended by ASHAs, AWWs and medical staff.
The observances across districts reinforced the message that informed choice, proper counselling and healthy spacing are essential for ensuring better maternal and child health and planned families.