World Population Day is an annual event observed on 11th July, to create awareness about the issues related to population such as the importance of family planning, gender equality, poverty and maternal health.
The UN’s theme for 2013 is Adolescent pregnancy with an aspiration of safe childbirth and that each pregnancy is wanted. However, the Government of India’s theme for this year’s observation in the entire country is: “Small Family – Happy Family” (English) or “Chhoto Parivar – Khusi Parivar” (Odia).
In Odisha, this year World Population Day is being observed throughout the state with launching of “Population Stabilization Fortnight” from 11th to 24th July 2013 all across the state. It was preceded by a “Mobilization Fortnight” from 27th June to 10th July 2013 for creating awareness on population control and generating demand for family planning services.
Odisha’s progress in family planning programme during last 3-4 years has been quite encouraging. Total Fertility Rate (TFR), the most important indicator in population control programme in Odisha has decreased from a shocking high of 4.7 (SRS) to 2.2 (Annual Health Survey-2011) very close to desired level (2.1) which is an outstanding achievement in itself wherein the national average (2.79) is still higher than that of Odisha.
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Moreover, Odisha’s Decadal Growth Rate has decreased to 13.97% (Census-2011) which is lower than the national average (17.64%) that indicates the state’s significant progress in achieving the goal of population stabilisation.
Its indeed a matter of elation for Odisha, that Government of India has felicitated Odisha in recently (2-5 July 2013) concluded meeting in Srinagar, J & K for outstanding achievement during ‘Population Stabilisation Fortnight’ carried out last year.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik attended the observation ceremony of ‘World Population Day- 2013’ in Bhubaneswar as Chief Guest and distributed awards to successful districts and doctors achieving their goals in health related issues.
While Malkangiri (138.27%) bagged the best performing District in sterilization operations, Dr. Jugal Kishore Behra of Nabarangpur is conferred as the best performing Surgeons in Minilap Operations during the year 2012-13.
State Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr. Damodar Rout, Health & Family Welfare Department Principal Secretary Pradipta Mohapatra, Director Biren Mohanty also graced the occasion.
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