Dimapur, July 11 (EMN): World Population Day was held in different districts on Wed. July 11 on the theme “Start a meaningful tomorrow with family planning.” Official press reports reaching here this evening informed of the Office of the Chief Medical Officers (CMO) of Kohima, Dimapur, Longleng and Wokha of organizing programmes in commemoration of the day.
Kohima
The World Population Day was at the chief medical officer’s (CMO) office in Kohima It was organised by the office of the CMO along withDistrict Health Society, department of Health and Family Welfare, National Health Mission. The programme was conducted under the chairmanship of deputy CMO, Dr. Avile Zao, with technical session presentation on “World Population Day & Population Stabilization Fortnight” which is about commence from July 11 to the 24th. The fortnight programme would be called as Family Health Mela under the same slogan.Advocacy and awareness campaigns would be carried out in all the blocks and villages under Kohima district. It will include exhibition of family planning methods such as: use of contraceptives and other spacing methods, need for delay in marriage and first child birth, and counselling of clients on the basket of choices. It will also include motivation of eligible couples for availing family planning services like intrauterine contraceptive device and postpartum intra uterine contraceptive device insertion, condoms, tubectomy, and vasectomy including awareness on HIV and AIDS, the press release read.The press release also stated that ‘during the on-going advocacy the following messages should reach the people as part of awareness generation–delaying age at marriage, healthy spacing at birth, post partum family planning, male participation in family planning, and post abortion family planning.IEC activities of interpersonal communication, such as focus group discussion, will be carried out in selected health units to observe Population Fortnight as basket of family planning services including distribution of pamphlets, leaflets, and putting up of banners and posters at prominent places in line with “new family planning media campaign,” the press release read.CMO, Dr. Ritu Thurr, in his closing remarks stressed on the importance of observing World Population Stabilization Fortnight by mobilizing and carrying out intensive awareness as to reach maximal target. He also added saying that, all health provider should be accountable and prompt in carrying out the activities, the press release added.
Dimapur
The World Population Day was observed on Wednesday at chief medical officer’s (CMO) conference hall in Dimapur. District Programme Officer Dr. Rebecca oriented the members on the activities to be carried out during the “Population Stabilization Fortnight” commencing from July 11to to the 24th. She briefed the members on the activities to be carried out in all the blocks. She further urged the health workers to encourage eligible couples on birth spacing and to motivate the men folks to participate in the Family Planning methods. She also informed the members to sensitize the beneficiaries about the incentives for beneficiaries opting for the various family planning methods.The medical superintendent of District Hospital Dimapur, Dr Z. Kheshito Zhimo, urged the members to educate the public on the different choices of family planning methods. He also advised them to patiently answer their queries to eliminate their doubts and fears that they may have on opting for temporary or permanent method of family planning, the press release read.Dr. Zhimo also requested them to act as a referral point to people in the far-flung areas. He further stressed the need to fully convince the beneficiaries before referring them to hospitals in town areas for sterilization so as to not waste their time and money travelling to Dimapur, only to change their mind at the last minute.The deputy CMO of Dimapur, Dr. Antoly Suu, as chairperson had also requested the health workers to spread the message of family planning to identify and provide counselling to eligible couples and to refer beneficiaries to the nearest health units to avail free family planning method, the press release stated.
Longleng
Longleng district observed world population day with ADC Longleng, Temsuwati as the special guest on 11th July at DC’s office complex with the theme “Start a meaningful tomorrow with family planning”. Addressing the gathering, the ADC emphasized on the importance of quality education which he said is an important tool to create awareness on family planning and quality of life in the present generation. Only a literate person will understand the importance of birth control, unwanted pregnancy and sex education from the print media, he added. He also spoke on free and open communication between parents and children on sex education to prevent unwanted pregnancy at young age and other sexually transmitted diseases. He appealed to the youths to be well aware about the present trends of the society and act accordingly. In his keynote address, DPO RCH/UIP, Longleng, Dr. S. Imnameren asserted that family planning is not just a part of curbing ‘growing population’ but also has a positive impact at individual level. The day is also observed to spread knowledge about other important issues including gender equality, poverty, maternal health and human rights. Stressing on the increasing maternal death day by day at alarming pace, he said that unplanned child-bearing severely affects the child and both the parents as we get to know from different sources. He also informed on reduce infant mortality risk, prevention of sexually transmitted disease, reduce risk of producing disabled child and prevention of adolescent pregnancy. Short speeches were delivered by CMO Longleng, Dr. O. KonganPhom and Executive Secretary PBCA, Longleng, Tialemba. Earlier, invocation was proposed by Pastor LTBC, Rev. Beau and welcome address by MS District Hospital, Longleng, Dr. Toshirenla. The highlights of the program included special number by the Cross Road Band, short play by Adolescent Club, Marathon Race and Prize distribution to the winners of the Marathon race. The winners of the marathon race for both male & female according to merit were Bushang, Henchem and Chingmei, and under female category Yemkup, Nangnyu and Khamnyu. The programme was chaired by DPM Longleng, ViroliSangtam while vote of thanks and benediction were pronounced by DVBO Longleng, Dr. ManyauPhom and Associate Pastor (Women) LABA, Asangla respectively.
Wokha
World population day & population stabilization fortnight was observed at Wokha on 11th July 2018 at Deputy Commissioner’s Conference hall, Wokha with DC Wokha, Dr. Manazir Jeelani Samoon, IAS as the chief guest.Addressing the participants, the Chief Guest said the problem of population varies from place to place in different parts of the world. In India, the rate of population growth is high but in certain countries the growth is declining and this problem has to be tackled, he said. He said if our population is not healthy then it is our own burden as we have to create a lot of resources to make them healthy and educated. However, if it is educated and healthy then it becomes an asset of our country.Dy.CMO, Dr. ZubenKikon while delivering the key note address stressed on the various problems created due to rapid growth of population and the importance of proper counseling and awareness to eligible couples for population control. The function was chaired by DPO (RCH/UIP), Dr. KhelitoZhimomi while vote of thanks was delivered by DVBO (VBDCP), Dr. Zathung, stated a DIPR report.
