Staff of the Zunheboto Chief Medical Officer’s establishment after the programme on July 11. (Photo Courtesy: DMO, CMO Office)
Dimapur, July 11 (MExN): World Population Day was observed in various districts across the state of Nagaland on July 11.
World Population Day is an annual event which seeks to raise awareness of global population issues. The event was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989.
Longleng: The Longleng District Health Society along with medical officers and staff of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Medical Superintendent (MS) office commemorated the day under the theme ‘Provision of family planning services even in crisis, for a self reliant nation and family.’
On the occasion, a district level review on family planning was also conducted, according to a press release from the District Media Officer.
Deputy CMO Dr Philip Kent spoke on the significance of the day, to raise awareness about the effects of overpopulation on the environment, the health problems faced by child bearing women and the importance of family planning. He also encouraged and urged all the health units and medical officers that the pandemic crisis should not hamper the delivery of the essential healthcare services.
District Programme Officer (RCH & UIP) Dr Imnameren Phom delivered the keynote address and gave a brief update on the significance of the World Population Fortnight. He also spoke on the benefits and various aspects of family planning and gave out information on where to avail such services and the various schemes that are available. Dr Imnameren also appealed to all the members to take the responsibility in creating awareness on the importance of family planning, adoption, gender equality, poverty and maternal health and women’s rights.
Dr Ademla, Obst & Gynae at Longleng District Hospital, also delivered a short speech on Maternal Health and Family Planning. The programme was followed with block wise presentations on family planning for the first quarter, the release stated.
Phek: At the Dr Wethselo T Mero Memorial Hall, Phek District Hospital, CMO Dr Khriezotuo Paphino urged upon the health care workers to create awareness and to be more professional and make realistic plans for family planning services. Addressing the gathering which included staff of District Hospital, CMO office, Meluri Community Health Centre, Sakhi One Stop Centre (OSC), and programme officers of vertical programmes, the CMO also highlighted on the relevance of World Population Day.
According to a press release from the District Media Officer, NHM Phek, the District Programme Officer for RCH & UIP Dr Kolhitso Khalo highlighted the various activities to be carried out during the population stabilizing fortnight from July 11 to July 24, in all the health units across the district.
He informed that mobilization fortnight from June 27 to July 10 has already been done by the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and said that the ASHAs will also be visiting house to house of the eligible couples and conduct Interpersonal Communication (IPC) during the fortnight.
Basket of a temporary family planning services will be available in all the health units and clients who opt for permanent family planning will be referred to Phek District Hospital, the release stated.
During the programme, Centre Administrator, Sakhi OSC, Jitsiasa Nyusou also highlighted the different services provided at the Centre which supports all women including girls below the age of 18 years who are affected by violence in its different forms. The OSC has a convergence with other departments including the Health and Family Welfare Department in order to facilitate its functioning, it added.
Wokha: The Wokha District Health Society observed World Population Day at the CMO’s conference hall where CMo Dr CW Tungoe briefly highlighted on the importance of family planning even during the pandemic.
While acknowledging that health care workers have been overburdened with COVID-19 cases, the CMO noted that many beneficiaries have been facing difficulties in accessing reproductive health care services during the pandemic. In this regard, he reminded the health care workers that reproductive health care services cannot be neglected as it would create major impact on the population and economic growth in the long run.
According to press release from the CMO’s office, Medical Superintendent of Wokha District Hospital, Dr Tumchobeni Kikon encouraged the health workers to mobilize beneficiaries for permanent and temporary methods of family planning in the district.
Vote of thanks was proposed by District Programme Manager Mhonbeni Ezung who expressed gratitude to the Dy CMO and CMO for their valuable insights and Seyie from the Rapid Response Team, World Health Organization for taking part in the programme.
More than 20 participants consisting of DSO, MOs, BPMs, ASHA coordinators and medical staff participated in the programme, the release stated.
Zunheboto: Meanwhile, Zunheboto Deputy CMO Dr K Akaho Sema was the resource person for the World Population Day programme which was organised by the District Health Society.
According to a press release from the DMO, CMO office, Dr Akaho 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, he added.
He also informed that during the population stabilization fortnight from July 11-24, various family planning methods will be carried out and free services like sterilization, IUCD and distribution of condoms, ECP, OCP, counselling and free distribution of IEC materials and activities will be carried out in all the health units and villages.
Along with family planning related topics, the Dy CMO also briefed the gathering about the various aspects of contact tracing, risk communication and social stigma with regard to the Coronavirus and urged for more community participation. Stating that the best way to prevent infection was through basic methods like maintaining social distancing, hand washing and wearing masks, he urged the participants not to panic but follow the safety guidelines. Free IEC materials were distributed during the programme, the release stated.
