The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, July 11, 2024 (TBB Bureau): The global community on Wednesday marked ‘World Population Day,’ a day dedicated to addressing crucial issues surrounding family planning and population management. In Odisha, the occasion was observed with a renewed commitment to safeguarding reproductive rights and empowering women of reproductive age.
Dr. Jitendra Mohan Bebortha, Special Secretary – PH, Health & FW, Govt. of Odisha, alongside Dr. Sanjukta Sahoo, Director of Family Welfare, and Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, Director Public Health, graced the event with their presence. The focus remained on promoting family planning methods as crucial tools for controlling population growth.
This year’s theme, ‘Vikashita Bharatra Parichaya Nutan, Parivaar Niyojan Prati Dampatinkar Samman,’ underscores the importance of respecting family planning decisions and honoring the dignity of couples.
As part of the celebrations, a month-long campaign titled ‘Population Stabilisation Fortnight’ or ‘Janasankhya Sthirata Pakshya’ is scheduled from July 11th to 24th, 2024. Preceded by a ‘Mobilisation Fortnight’ from June 27th to July 10th, 2024, this initiative aims to raise awareness and encourage participation across the state.
Odisha has seen a decline in its Total Fertility Rate (TFR) to 1.8 (NFHS-5), which is below the national average of 2.0, signalling progress in family planning efforts. The state is also expanding its basket of contraceptive choices, including Sub-dermal Implants and Subcutaneous Antara, to offer more options to eligible couples.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to family planning services, Nuapada, Sonepur, Nabarangpur, Cuttack, and Bouda districts were awarded for their exemplary performance.
