“Population rate in urban areas dwindling, including Mokokchung Town”
Tsüvisie Phoji NCS, the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung said, “The population rate in urban areas is dwindling, including Mokokchung Town, where statistically the death rate is more than birth rate.” He said this during the observance of World Population Day in Mokokchung District today which was held in the Chief Medical Officer’s Conference Hall.
Phoji also shared his concern on the decline of birth rate in urban areas and opined that “number of employed working population” which leaves families with no time for family planning, could be a reason for the decline.
He, therefore, encouraged that concerned departments should impart and instill awareness on family planning. He also stressed on points like gender disparity and social inequality and encouraged the gathering to be ambassadors in practicing equality and to make life qualitative not just quantitative.
Basing on the theme for World Population Day 2023, “Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities,” Dr Takosunep Ao, District Program Officer (DPO), Reproductive Child Health (RCH) and Universal Immunization Program (UIP) said that World Population Day focuses on bringing attention to critical issues concerning the global population.
“It aims to raise awareness about various challenges such as gender inequality, economic crises, and poverty. This day serves as a reminder to actively strive for the betterment of people’s lives and drive positive transformations,” he said.
The program was followed by a flag- off of the IEC VEHICLE by the Deputy Commissioner, after which the IEC personnel visited villages under Changtongya block.
According to an update received here, the IEC personnel, BAC and ASHAS in relation to world population fortnight will continue till 24 July in all the blocks of Mokokchung district (far-flung areas) where they will hold focus group discussion and inter personal communication on family planning in different health units.
“At the moment we are visiting villages in Changtongya block. Places visited are Phangsang, Yaongyimti Old and Yaongyimti New in Changtongya block,” the update said.
Meanwhile, in Wokha, the District Medical Office Health & Family Welfare department commemorated the day under the theme “On the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, let us take pledge to adopt family planning as a choice for happiness and prosperity.”
Dr Benchumi Humtsoe urged people to be aware of the issues relating to family planning and the population over growth. She said family planning should be done keeping in mind the children’s present and future.
In Peren, resource person Dr Supongmenla Walling, DPO (RCH & UIP) Peren, highlighted the significance of the day and 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,” Dr Walling said.