Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 14 July 2024
Directorate of Health Services, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, in collaboration with the Union Territory Health Mission, celebrated World Population Day with a strong emphasis on population stabilization and family planning service delivery. This year’s theme, “Healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies for the well-being of mother and child,” was highlighted through various Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) and advocacy initiatives. The slogan for World Population Day 2024 was “Vikasit Bharat Ki Nayi Pehchan Pariwar Niyojan Har Dampati Ki Shaan.”
The observance was structured into three distinct phases. The Preparatory Phase, which ran from June 1 to June 20, 2024, was dedicated to ensuring the smooth rollout of mobilization activities. This was followed by the Community Mobilization Fortnight from June 27 to July 10, 2024, during which awareness campaigns were conducted to sensitize the public about the importance of family planning.
The ongoing third phase, the Service Provisioning Fortnight, from July 11 to July 24, 2024, focuses on providing family planning services. Activities during this phase include IUCD insertion (post-partum or interval), Injectable Contraceptive MPA under the Antra Programme, tubectomy, and vasectomy procedures.
In commemoration of the occasion, the Health Department organized a comprehensive awareness program across the A&N Islands. The program involved Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), paramedics, Anganwadi workers (AWWs), youth clubs, students, and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) to educate the public about family planning services.
A notable event was the Parivar Vikas Mela held at Ograbraj Community Hall, South Andaman. The mela saw active participation from the PRIs of Gram Panchayat Mitakhari, school students, self-help groups, and the general public. The event featured messages on various family welfare programs and balanced diets. Additionally, a quiz competition among Anganwadi workers was held, with Mitakhari winning first place, Namunaghar securing second, and Collinpur taking third.
Dr. Avijit Roy, Deputy Director (Family Welfare), Port Blair, served as the chief guest and spoke about the family welfare services available in the A&N Islands. Mr. Mohammed Shafique, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat, Mittakhari, was the guest of honor. Other notable speakers included Dr. Kaleshwar, Medical Officer in charge of PHC Tusnabad, and Dr. Huma Quiser, Medical Officer (Ayurveda).
The program concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. V.A. Mohamed Asharaf, Health Educator, DHS, Port Blair.