Nagaland observes ‘World Population Day’

Dimapur, July 11 (EMN): District Hospitals across different parts of the state observed the ‘World Population Day’ on Sunday on the theme "Provision of family planning services even in a crisis for a self-reliant nation and family."

The ‘World Population Day’ is observed  every year on July 11 to enhance awareness on population issues, gender equity, importance of family planning, poverty alleviation, and maternal health issues.

Phek: Phek district has observed the "World Population Day" on Sunday at Dr. Wethselo T Mero Memorial Hall of the District Hospital, Phek.

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The programme was launched by the chief medical officer (CMO), Phek, Dr. Khriezotuo Paphino, wherein he urged upon the healthcare workers to create awareness and be more professional and realistic while planning for family planning services.

Dr. Kolhitso Khalo, DPO RCH & UIP, Phek, highlighted the various activities to be carried out during population stabilising fortnight from July 11 to the 24^th in all the health units across the district.

He shared that Ashas have completed the mobilisation fortnight from June 27 to July 10. He added that Ashas would also undertake house-to-house visits of the eligible couples and conduct inter-personal communication (IPC) during the fortnight.

An update from the CMO’s office informed that a ‘basket of temporary family planning services’ would be available in all the health units adding that the client, who opted for permanent family planning, would be referred to District Hospital, Phek.

During  the programme, Jitsiasa Nyusou, administrator of Sakhi-One Stop Centre, also highlighted the different services provided to all women including girls below 18 years of age affected by violence of different forms.

SMO and staff from CHC Meluri, officers and staff of vertical programme, and staff from the District Hospital and CMO office attended the programme.

Zunheboto: The district health society of Zunheboto also observed the ‘World Population Day’ at CMO’s office on Sunday.

The deputy CMO and resource person, Dr. K Akaho Sema, highlighted the significance of the day and emphasised on the importance of family planning for the health of both mother and children. As parents are responsible for providing education, shelter, clothing and food for their children, he stated that family planning has an important long-term impact on the financial situation of any family.

He informed that a mobilisation fortnight was conducted from June 27 to July 10 for creating awareness on population control. He stated that free services like sterilisation, IUCD and distribution of condoms, ECP, OCP, counselling and free distribution of IEC materials would be carried out in all the health units and villages during the population stabilisation fortnight from July 11 to the 24^th.

Report stated that free IEC materials were distributed during the programme.

Wokha: The district health society of Wokha observed the ‘World Population Day’ at CMO’s office on July 11.

Delivering the keynote address, the CMO Dr. CW Tungoe highlighted the importance of family planning even during the pandemic. CMO Wokha also noted the difficulties faced by beneficiaries to access reproductive healthcare services during the pandemic.

“The health care workers are overburdened with Covid-19 cases but we cannot neglect these beneficiaries as it will create a major impact on our population and economic growth in the long run,” he said.

The medical superintendent, Dr. Tumchobeni Kikon, encouraged the healthcare workers to mobilise beneficiaries for permanent and temporary methods of family planning in the district.

More than 20 participants consisting of DSO, MOs, BPMs, Asha coordinators and medical staff participated in the programme.

Longleng: The district health society of Longleng commemorated the ‘World Population Day’ cum review meeting on family planning in the conference hall of the CMO’s office on July 11.

In a welcome address, the deputy CMO Dr. Philip Kent spoke on the significance of the day to raise awareness about the effects of overpopulation on the environment, health problems faced by child bearing women and the importance of family planning. He also encouraged all the health units and medical officers not to let the pandemic crisis hamper delivery of essential healthcare services.

In a keynote address, Dr. Imnameren Phom, DPO (RCH/UIP), spoke on the benefits of family planning, the right age of marriage, dangers and health consequences of early pregnancy, contraceptive options for newlywed couples and spacing between children, limiting family size, and timely adoption of family planning method.

Dr Imnameren also appealed to all the members to take responsibility in creating awareness on the importance of family planning, adoption, gender equality, poverty and maternal health and women’s rights.

Dr. Ademla, also presented a short speech on maternal health and family planning.