World Population Day was observed in Mokokchung and Peren on July 11 with health officials highlighting the importance of family planning, healthy birth spacing and informed reproductive choices under the theme, “Healthy Timing and Spacing between Pregnancies for Well-being of Mother and Child to Prevent Unintended Pregnancies.”
In Mokokchung, the programme was held at the Conference Hall of the Chief Medical Officer’s office. Speaking at the event, District Programme Officer (UIP & RCH) Dr Limanaro said World Population Day aims to create awareness about the family planning services available at health centres while promoting healthy timing and spacing between pregnancies for the well-being of both mother and child.
She informed that Population Week, to be observed from July 11 to 18, will feature advocacy and awareness campaigns across all blocks and villages. Activities will include counselling on family planning methods, contraceptive use, spacing methods and motivating eligible couples to avail family planning services.
Dr Limanaro said services such as sterilisation, intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) insertion, distribution of condoms, emergency contraceptive pills (ECP), oral contraceptive pills (OCP), counselling and distribution of IEC materials would be provided during the campaign. She also urged health units to mobilise communities through Village Health Committees, Community Health Officers, ANMs and ASHAs to refer eligible beneficiaries for sterilisation services at the District Hospital, Mokokchung.
The programme was attended by the Chief Medical Officer, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, ASHAs and CMO staff.
In Peren, the observance was held at CHC Jalukie. District Programme Officer (RCH & UIP) Dr Velentina Neikha stressed the need to promote and sensitise people about family planning. She highlighted the benefits of healthy birth spacing, small family norms and various family planning methods, while encouraging people to make informed use of available resources. She said investing in young people through health, education and social security is key to improving the lives of future generations.
The programme, chaired by Samzai, BAC Jalukie Block, was attended by ASHAs, Anganwadi workers and medical staff. Free services, including vasectomy, IUCD insertion, distribution of condoms, emergency contraceptive pills and counselling, were made available at health units.
