Port Blair, July 10: World Population Day will be observed across the country on July 11 with the focus on population stabilization, family planning service delivery along with IEC & advocacy. The event is being observed across the country in two phases viz. Phase I -‘Population Mobilization Fortnight’ from 27th June to 10th July, 2023 focusing on sensitization and awareness of masses regarding family planning services. The Phase II-‘Population Stabilization Fortnight’ will begin from July 11 and continue up to July 24, 2023 focusing on service provision with the theme: ‘On the occasion of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, let us take a pledge to adopt family planning as a choice for happiness and prosperity’.

As part of the observance, the Directorate of Health Services in association with Union Territory Health Mission A&N Islands will be organising group meetings, display of banners in prominent places, drawing competition for school children and motivation drive on permanent & temporary methods of family planning among eligible couples in Municipal area on July 11. Apart from this, IEC activities will also be conducted in all Health Institutions across the Islands.

In Phase II, Parivar Vikas Melas will be organized in each district as well as every Block Headquarters, during which, mini exhibition through display of posters and demonstration on various family planning methods, reproductive & child health programmes and its various schemes, healthy and balanced diet, advocating the need for population stabilization, stalls for counselling, especially for use of contraceptives and other spacing methods will be set up. Special arrangements will be made to provide assured family planning services such as IUCD insertion, Contraceptive Injectable MPA, Tubectomy, Vasectomy etc.