Officials pose for a photo during the World Population Day programme held at the Chief Medical Officer's Office in Phek on July 11. (Photo Courtesy: CMO, Phek)
Kohima, July 11 (MExN): Health departments across several districts of Nagaland on Saturday observed World Population Day 2026 under the theme, "Healthy Timing and Spacing between Pregnancies for Well-being of Mother and Child and to Prevent Unintended Pregnancies", while launching Population Week activities to promote family planning and reproductive health awareness.
In Dimapur, the observance was held at the Chief Medical Officer's Conference Hall and attended by medical officers from health units under the district.
Chief Medical Officer Dr T Yetovi Tuccu, the resource person, highlighted the importance of healthy timing and spacing between pregnancies for improving maternal and child health and preventing unintended pregnancies. He said every pregnancy should be by choice and stressed the need for counselling couples on the range of family planning options available so they could make informed decisions based on their needs and preferences.
He said World Population Day was not only about population control or sterilisation but also about creating awareness of various family planning methods.
District Programme Officer (RCH/UIP) Dr Rongsennungla chaired the programme.
Officials said free family planning services, counselling, awareness campaigns, sterilisation services for men and women, and focus group discussions would be conducted during Population Week from July 11 to 18.
In Mokokchung, the programme was held at the CMO's Conference Hall.
District Programme Officer (UIP and RCH) Dr Limanaro highlighted the significance of World Population Day and the importance of family planning choices, healthy spacing between pregnancies and maternal and child health.
She said awareness campaigns would be organised across all blocks and villages during Population Week, covering family planning methods, contraceptive use, counselling and motivation of eligible couples to avail family planning services.
She added that services including sterilisation, intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) insertion, distribution of condoms, emergency contraceptive pills, oral contraceptive pills, counselling and information, education and communication (IEC) materials would be provided during the campaign. She also urged health units to mobilise communities through Village Health Committees, Community Health Officers, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives and ASHAs to refer eligible beneficiaries for sterilisation services at the District Hospital.
The programme was attended by the Chief Medical Officer, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, ASHAs and health department staff.
In Peren district, the observance was held at the Community Health Centre, Jalukie.
District Programme Officer (RCH and UIP) Dr Velentina Neikha emphasised the need to create greater awareness about family planning and the benefits of healthy timing and spacing between pregnancies. She encouraged investment in young people through education, healthy lifestyles, access to healthcare and social security.
The programme was chaired by Block Account Manager Samzai. Officials said free services, including vasectomy, IUCD insertion, distribution of condoms, emergency contraceptive pills and counselling, would be available at health units during the campaign.
In Phek, World Population Day was observed at the Chief Medical Officer's Office with gynaecologist and obstetrician Dr Pangertemsu of the District Hospital as the theme speaker.
He highlighted the importance of family planning, maternal health and reproductive healthcare, urging health workers to encourage eligible couples to avail government family planning services and pregnant women to register early for antenatal care, attend regular check-ups and opt for institutional deliveries.
Officials said Population Week activities from July 11 to 18 would include counselling on family planning by medical officers and frontline health workers, distribution of IEC materials, awareness campaigns and focus group discussions with eligible couples. The role of healthcare providers during the campaign was also highlighted by the District Media Coordinator of the National Health Mission.
