The World Population Day was observed across the State of Nagaland on July 11.
DIMAPUR, JULY 11 (MExN): The World Population was observed across the State with programmes organized by the Chief Medical Officers of the respective districts.
In Dimapur, the day was observed under the theme ‘Preparation for Family Planning even in times of disaster; Full Responsibility of Competent Nation and Family.’
The district will also be observing the Population Stabilization Fortnight from July 11 till 24. During this fortnight, free family planning services such as distribution of condoms, contraceptive pills, permanent and temporary methods of sterilization etc will be available in all government health units. For permanent sterilization, interested beneficiaries may visit UPHC Duncan and CHC Medziphema. Beneficiaries will be compensated for choosing permanent method of family planning.
Awareness program in the form of one-on-one counseling and focus group discussion will be held in villages keeping in mind social distancing and other precautionary measures. Besides health topics on family planning, awareness on COVID-19 will also be disseminated focusing on the elderly and other vulnerable population during the awareness programs and counseling.
The day was observed in Wokha at the CMO’s office with Dr Khelito Zhimomi, DPO (RCH/UIP) chairing the programme. She emphasized on the importance of family planning services even during this pandemic crisis. She noted on the difficulties faced by health workers during newborn deliveries and ANCs due to the lockdown.
The keynote address was delivered by Chief Medical Officer Wokha, Dr CW Tungoe. He stated that world population day is celebrated every year since 1989 to focus on global population issues. The COVID-19 crisis has overwhelmed our health system, yet family planning services need to be strengthened even at this critical juncture. In the long run such steps will ensure a competent nation and family, he added.
Deputy CMO, Dr Zuben Kikon stressed on the importance of maternal health and small family. The vote of thanks was delivered by Mhonbeni Ezung, DPM.
Meanwhile, the District Health Society, Zunheboto organised the observation with Dr K Akaho Sema, Deputy CMO as the resource person. He highlighted about the significance of the day. Dr Akaho also emphasised that family planning is important for the health of a mother and her children, as well as the family's economic situation. Since parents are responsible for providing education, shelter, clothing and food for their children, family planning has an important long-term impact on the financial situation of any family.
He highlighted that during the Population Stabilization Fortnight from July 11-24, various family planning methods will be carried out with free services like sterilisation, IUCD and distribution of condoms, ECP, OCP, counseling and free distribution of IEC materials and activities will be carried out in all the health units and villages.
Free IEC materials were also distributed during the observance.
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