DIMAPUR/KOHIMA/WOKHA/PHEK, JULY 11 (MExN): Along with the rest of the world, World Population Day 2025 was observed across Nagaland on Friday under the theme “Healthy Timing and Spacing between Pregnancies for Planned Parenthood.” District-level observances were held at Dimapur, Wokha, Kohima, and Phek with the District Health Societies, Department of Health & Family Welfare, and National Health Mission (NHM) coordinating the programmes. This year, the observance will continue as a Population Fortnight from July 11 to July 18.
In Dimapur, the launch event was held at the Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) Office Conference Hall, chaired by Imlilemla, District Community Mobilizer. Dr Rongsennunla, District Programme Officer, RCH-UIP, highlighted the importance of population control in enhancing maternal health, advancing gender equality, and improving access to healthcare services. Citing the recent Dimapur floods, she underscored the adverse impacts of unchecked population growth.
Under the week-long campaign, permanent family planning services will be provided free at District Hospital Dimapur and CHC Medziphema, while temporary methods will be available across all health facilities under CMO Dimapur. Compensation will be provided to beneficiaries opting for sterilization and IUCD insertions. IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities will be intensified through Interpersonal Communication–Focus Group Discussions (IPC-FGD) and “SAARTHI–Awareness on Wheels” campaigns.
In Kohima, a district-level observance was held at the CMO’s conference hall with District Health Society and NHM. The programme was chaired by District Programme Manager Avikali Jakhalu, while Dr Khrievilhou Nakhro, DPO (RMNCAH+N), highlighted the significance of World Population Day and Fortnight. He stressed on family planning choices available under Mission Parivar Vikas, with “SAARTHI on Wheels” continuing its awareness outreach.
Advocacy and awareness campaigns will be conducted in all blocks and villages under Kohima district, including exhibitions of contraceptive methods, counseling on spacing between births, motivation of eligible couples for IUCD and PPIUCD insertions, and promotion of male participation in family planning. IEC materials in the form of pamphlets, leaflets, banners, and posters have been deployed across health facilities as part of the New Family Planning Media Campaign.
In Wokha, the observance was held at the CMO’s office conference hall. The programme was chaired by District Programme Manager Mhonbeni Ezung. Addressing the gathering, Chief Medical Officer Dr Thungchanbemo Ezung said the day is marked annually to raise awareness about population issues and highlighted the importance of birth spacing for maternal and child health. He emphasized the role of routine immunization and called upon health workers to actively disseminate information about free family planning services available at government health centres.
The event was attended by DCM, BACs, BPMs, Urban ASHAs, DPMU, and UPHC staff. Advocacy activities including mobilization, IEC distribution, and awareness drives will be carried out across Wokha district until July 18.
In Phek, the observance was held at the CMO conference hall with Dr Pangertemsu, Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, District Hospital Phek, as the guest speaker. Speaking on the theme, Dr Pangertemsu emphasized the importance of quality life and reproductive health as key aspects of population-related concerns. He shared information on the family planning methods available in the district and encouraged participants to spread awareness about these services.
Health facilities in Phek will carry out family planning activities including awareness talks during Village Health Nutrition Days (VHNDs), distribution of contraceptives, and IEC materials printed in local dialects. ASHA workers will also conduct community mobilization to promote uptake of family planning services.
The programme at Phek was chaired by Dr Shasinle Tep, DPO NCD, while Sedeu Rupreo, DPM NHM, delivered the vote of thanks and briefed participants on activities planned during the observation week.
