On World Population Day government of India takes stock; Mission Parivar Vikas has been extended to 340 districts
The latest family health survey shows that 56.5% of Indian women of reproductive age now have access to modern contraceptives. The ministry of health and family welfare has decided to shift the focus of family planning efforts – Mission Parivar Vikas – to the districts, health minister J P Nadda said Thursday.
“The objective of the FP programme needs to be ‘Birth by choice and by informed choice,” Nadda said on the occasion of World Population Day. Highlighting the government’s focus on “securing a brighter, healthier future for all, including youth, adolescents, women, and the elderly”, the Union Health Minister stated, “collaboration is key as we address upcoming responsibilities and recognize family planning and reproductive health as fundamental”. “Promoting healthy timing and spacing between births, achieving optimal family sizes, and empowering voluntary adoption of contraceptive choices are crucial for nurturing healthier and happier families, thereby contributing to our nation’s brighter future”, he said.
An innovative Family Planning Display Model “Sugam” and family planning posters in Hindi, English, and regional languages imbibing the current year’s theme for World Population Day 2024 were unveiled. Sugam is a unique and innovative multipurpose display model for Family Planning designed for use by family planning service providers, RMNCHA (Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition) counsellors, grassroots health workers, and beneficiaries.
It can also be strategically displayed at various locations at health facilities. ‘Sugam’ aims to foster an amicable environment and generate necessary awareness about family planning. It envisaged creating the necessary buzz around equal participation of men and women in family planning, encouraging planned parenthood, emphasizing healthy timing and spacing between births, and showcasing the range of contraceptive choices available. Newly developed Radio Spots and Jingles aimed at creating awareness about family planning and increasing uptake of family planning commodities were also launched.
“It is also encouraging to note that the acceptance of modern contraceptives in the country has increased to over 56%. NFHS 5 data shows an overall positive shift towards spacing methods which would be instrumental in impacting positively the maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. The Unmet Need for Family Planning has declined to 9.4 from 12.9 (NFHS IV) which is an encouraging achievement”, minister of state Anupriya Patel said.
