Dimapur, July 11 (MExN): Dimapur district observed World Population Day 2023 at UPHC Burma Camp, Dimapur under the theme ‘On the occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Mohatsav, Let us pledge to adopt small family planning as a choice for happiness and prosperity.’
Dr Chamzai Newmai, Medical Officer, UPHC Burma Camp said that the main objective of the Day is to increase individual awareness of several issues related to global population includes poverty, gender inequality, family planning, human rights and maternal health. “We all deserve fresh air to breath, enough land to live and healthy food to eat which cannot be possible without controlling our growing population,” Dr Chamzai stated.
Vilito Chophy, Staff Nurse, UPHC Burma Camp, in her keynote address stated that there has been gradual shift from clinical approach to the reproductive child health approach. Technological advances, improved quality and coverage for health care have resulted in a rapid fall in the crude birth rate, total fertility rate and growth rate. She further stated that the scope of family planning also includes education for parenthood, sex education, screening for pathological condition related to the reproductive system, genetic counseling, premarital and marriage counseling, teaching home economics and nutrition, adoption services etc besides controlling population growth.
Dr Antoly Suu, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur reiterated the importance of observing the day, added that the day was also to create awareness on how to manage a family. She stated that marrying at the right age, appropriate spacing between children and availing Family Planning services were essential in managing a family. She further stated that as per the United Nation, this year, on this day focus was on gender equality. It emphasizes female equality, healthcare, education, and reproductive rights. When women and girls are empowered by societies to be independent over their lives and bodies, they and their families thrive.
The programme was attended stakeholders of UPHC Burma Camp, Staffs under CMO Dimapur and UPHC Burma Camp, and ASHAs under NUHM.
Zunheboto: District Health Society, Zunheboto observed World Population Day at CMO office and at all health units across the district.
Dr Zathung Lotha Chief Medical Officer, Zunheboto addressed on the significant of the day to create awareness and sensitize the people about the issues of the global population and importance of reproduction health.
Resource person, Dr Heto Swu DPO (UIP&RCH) Zunheboto 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 stated that the World Population Fortnight will start from July 11 to 24 and activities such as free services like sterilization, IUCD and distribution of condoms, ECP, OCP, counselling and distribution of IEC materials to create mass awareness will be carried out at all health units across the district.
The programme was attended by Dy CMO, Medical officers, DPMU staff.
Longleng: The District Health Society Longleng observed World Population Day cum launching of World Population Fortnight at CMO Conference Hall, Longleng with Meyazungba Jamir SDO (civil), Longleng as special guest.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Imnameren Phom DPO (UIP/RCH) stated that the purpose of celebrating world population day is to draw the attention of the public to the importance of population issues and the need to curb them.
He also emphasised on teenage age pregnancy, spacing of minimum two years between the first and second child and unplanned pregnancy.
Meyazungba Jamir SDO (Civil) emphasised that family planning is important for the health of a mother and her children, as well as the family's economic situation. He then stated that it was our responsibilities and duty to realise problems faced by the government and contribute towards nation building by adhering to policies and programmes of the government. He also appealed to all to take the responsibility in creating awareness on the importance of family planning, adoption, gender equality, poverty and maternal health and women's rights.
The programme was followed by Review meeting on family planning activities 2022-2023.
Phek: Phek District observed World Population Day at CMO Office. The programme was officially launched by Dr Khriezotuo Paphino CMO Phek.
Dr K Pewezo Khalo DPO RCH/UIP highlighted the various Family Planning services which will be available during the fortnight July 11 to 24 in all the health units. He informed that permanent Family Planning services for men and women will be done at DH, temporary family planning methods such as Copper-t, condom, oral contraceptive, PPIUCD, IUCD-380A & 375 services will be available in all the delivery points, SC-HWC, SC & DH. He added that compensation will be given to the beneficiaries for availing any family planning method.
He also shared that District IEC personnel will be carrying out SAARTHI (Awareness on wheels) on Family planning. The team will be sensitizing and disseminate FP messages in far-flung areas.
Wokha: Department of Health and Family Welfare, Wokha observed World Population Day at CMO Conference Hall, Wokha on July 11. The programme commenced with invocation by Emilo Tungoe, women leader, Wokha Town Baptist Church.
In the keynote address, Dr Thungchangpeni Patton, DPO (UIP/RCH) briefed the attendees on the World Population mobilization and stabilization fortnight activities carried out in the district. She stressed on the importance of church and community platforms to conduct information, education and communication activities for family planning and also encouraged the ASHAs to counsel eligible couples during the fortnight activity. Naye Paheli kit and injectables are two new components during this year family planning activities, she added.
Theme speaker, Dr Benchumi Humtsoe, Obs & Gynae, District Hospital Wokha said the dramatic population growth is largely driven by increasing numbers of people surviving till reproductive age, rapid urbanization and accelerating migration. Dr Benchumi mentioned that one of the key drivers of population growth is gender inequality and also highlighted on the importance of sexual and reproductive health education. She concluded by reminding the attendees that family planning is not about contraceptives but planning for the present and future.
The attendees included Medical Superintendant, District Hospital Wokha, programme officers, senior medical officers, medical officers, community health officers, Block ASHA coordinators, block programme managers, Urban ASHAs, NGOs and medical staffs in the district.
Kohima: Observance of world population day was held held at CMO’s conference hall, Kohima along with District Health Society, Department of Health & Family Welfare, NHM.
DPO (RCH/UIP) spoke on the importance of World Population Day & Population Stabilization Fortnight. He also highlighted on Family Planning Choices of method with “SAARTHI ON WHEELS” under Mission Parivar Vikas will carry out for 1 quarter i.e. (July – September) 2023.
Advocacy and awareness campaigns would be carried out in all the blocks and villages under Kohima district which will include Exhibition of Family Planning methods – use of contraceptives and other spacing methods, need for delay in marriage and first child birth, Counseling of clients on the basket of choices & motivation of eligible couples for availing Family Planning services such as IUCD & PPIUCD Insertions, Condoms, Tubectomy & Vasectomy including awareness on HIV & AIDS.
During the on-going advocacy, following messages should reach the people as part of awareness generation: delaying age at marriage, healthy spacing at birth, post partum family planning, male participation in family planning, post abortion family planning.
IEC activities of interpersonal communication – Focus Group Discussion will be carried out in selected health units to observe Population Fortnight as basket of Family Planning services including distribution of pamphlets, leaflets and putting up of banners and posters at prominent places in line with New Family Planning Media Campaign.
CMO, Dr Tumchobeni, in her closing remarks stressed on the importance of observing World Population Stabilization Fortnight by mobilizing and carrying out intensive awareness. She also added that all health provider & frontline workers should be accountable and prompt in carrying out the activities.
Noklak: Noklak district celebrated the World Population Day at the White Hall, Noklak village with Arikumba NCS, Deputy Commissioner, Noklak as the special guest.
The DC 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.
Earlier, General Manager of FPA India, Nagaland Branch Vincent Belho spoke on the significance of World Population Day and contextual understanding to Naga society. He said that the day serves as a reminder that population growth and its impact on the environment, economy, and society are critical challenges that must be addressed through collaborative efforts and sustainable development practices.
He emphasized on gender equality, accessibility to birth spacing devices and contraceptives so that every pregnancy is planned, wanted and does not end up in unsafe abortions. He also shared on the benefits and suggested measures to improve family planning in rural areas.
Dr Victor NC, CMO cum MS, Noklak district spoke on the medical services on family planning, he shared his 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. He emphasized that 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.
Dr Victor 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.
Tsuken S presented a special number to entertain the gathering while short speeches from Civil body representatives included TL Khaoshai, vice president Khiamniugan Tribal Council, Kheshe Khiamniungan spoke on behalf of the Khiamniungan Woman Association (KMH) while Shangchiu, president Khiamniungan Student Union spoke.
Peren: District Health Society, Peren organised observance of World Population Day at CMO Office Peren.
Dr Supongmenla Walling, DPO (RCH & UIP) Peren was the resource person. Dr Supong emphasized 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.
Free IEC materials were distributed during the observance.
