State population growth higher than n’tnal average

SHILLONG, JULY 11: This year, Meghalaya along with the rest of the country is observing   “Population Stabilization Fortnight” from 11^th to 24^th July on the theme “Small Family Happy Family” by organizing various activities and family planning services at block and district levels to carry forward the government effort to stabilize the population of the country at a level consistent with the national economy.

Meghalaya health and family welfare minister AL Hek informed that to ensure sustainable growth and development, there is urgent need to reduce the population growth rate substantially. He said this during the function to observe the World Population Day at U Soso Tham Auditorium, on the theme “Small Family Happy Family”.

The programme was organized by the Directorate of Health Services, Meghalaya wherein Hek graced the occasion as the chief huest.

During the function Hek said that the World Population Day was observed every year since 1989 on July 11 with an aims to increase awareness on various population issues such as the importance of family planning, including gender equality, poverty alleviation, maternal health and human rights.

Hek also revealed that the population of Meghalaya according to 2011 census is 29,64,007, which is an increase by 27.82% since 2001 which is higher than the national growth rate.          While stating that education has a direct impact on fertility, Hek said that young mothers face a heightened risk of maternal complications, death and disability and their children face higher risks as well as far as health is concerned.

During the World Population Day 2013, the health department endeavour to raise awareness on the issue of adolescent pregnancy in the hope of making the world where every pregnancy is wanted, every child birth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled, Hek said.

In order to bring about overall development, Hek felt that multi-sectoral  endeavours requiring constant and effective dialogue is a must among the stake holders, coordination at all levels between the government and the society which will facilitate early achievement of the socio demographic goals and thereby stabilize population.- By Our Reporter