- Dr P J Sharma
Since 1990, the World Population Day (WPD) has been observed on 11 July every year. The world’s population more than tripled in size between 1950 and 2020. World population presently stands at 7.7 billion and will increase to 8 billion this year (2022), with a projection of 8.5 billion by 2030. With advancement of medical science, acceptance of disease specific vaccinations; gradually life expectancy increased. At the same time, gradual decrease of maternal and child mortality, age-specific mortality rates noticed. Also, migration of population towards resourceful areas / urban areas created crisis of available resources. Climate change, violence, and discrimination are some factors which creates more problem in this regards. Divisions of class, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability etc are under discrimination and violence.
UNFPA’s “State of World Population report for 2022” mentions – almost half of all pregnancies in the world are unplanned. Consequences may be gender-based violence, a reduction in access to reproductive health services in conflict settings, and an increase in the risk of unsafe abortions. Poverty and inequality are the major socioeconomic factors of uncontrolled population growth.
So, it becomes important to take necessary steps to control the growing population to maintain the balance between population and natural resources as well as our ecology. The WPD aims to aware general masses of various population issues such as the importance of family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health, human / civil rights etc.
India stands next to China with world’s second-largest population. Like other countries, India also experienced resource crisis during managing COVID-19 pandemic’s second wave.
India’s land area is equivalent to the 2.4% of world’s total land area. However it provides the shelter for 17.84% of earth’s population. Population below poverty line in India is 26.10% (aprox) and in Arunachal Pradesh it is 33.47% (aprox). Poverty is a chronic domestic problem in India. Approximate 50% of Indians don’t have proper shelter; 70% don’t have access to decent toilets (which is linked with menstrual hygiene); 35% of households don’t have a nearby water source; 85% of villages don’t have a secondary school and over 40% of these same villages don’t have proper roads connecting them.
Many countries are facing problems now to solve their fluctuating and shifting fertility rates. Huge time, fund & effort are required to maintain the global efforts to achieve three magic ‘zeros’ at the core of our SRHR [sexual and reproductive health and rights] – (1) zero unmet need for contraception, (2) zero preventable maternal deaths, and (3) zero gender-based violence and harmful practices against women and girls – by 2030.
Nairobi Summit took following five major points to accelerate progress regarding population stabilization:
- Universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) as a part of universal health coverage.
- Financing required to complete the ICPD Programme of Action, and to sustain the gains made.
- Drawing on demographic diversity to drive economic growth and achieve sustainable development.
- Ending gender-based violence and harmful practices.
- Upholding the right to sexual and reproductive health care even in humanitarian and fragile contexts.
Above points are basically from Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Our objectives of celebrating WPD are to : protect and empower youths of both genders / educate people to overcome gender stereotypes in society / educate population of reproductive age group on sexuality in detail and delay marriage until they learn their responsibilities / every couple should have easy access to reproductive health services / use reasonable and youth-friendly measures to prevent unwanted pregnancies among youth / sensitize public about pregnancy-related illnesses so that they are aware of the dangers of early childbirth / prevent various infections and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) / ensure every girl and boy has access to equal primary education /
Generally on WPD; many radio, television, and news channels broadcast programs related to family planning and population. Sensitization by social medias, slogans, workshops, debates, songs, seminars, discussions, educational sessions, public contests, and other activities are planned for this day to celebrate the WPD.
Theme of 2022 of WPD is – “A world of 8 billion: Towards a resilient future for all – Harnessing opportunities and ensuring rights and choices for all”. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: “Reaching a global population of eight billion is a numerical landmark, but our focus must always be on people. In the world we strive to build, 8 billion people means 8 billion opportunities to live dignified and fulfilled lives.” We visualize these 8 billion opportunities for healthier societies empowered by rights and choices. A basic human right is to facilitate population of reproductive age group to voluntarily access safe and effective family planning with freedom on gender equality and women’s empowerment. We want to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. In a world of 8 billion, we must create a scope for possibility for better health, education and dignity as rights and realities. We need to uphold human and reproductive rights for a global productive society.
[NB: Observation of WORLD POPULATION DAY 2022 is an international level awareness campaign being celebrated all over the world to call people on stage to explore the reason of population explosion and its related sufferings, as well as pay attention and take corrective measures for the mistakes of whole human fraternity for combating the “population explosion” issue. This article by Dr. P. J. Sharmah is a carefully contextualized critique on its probable solution from public health point of view. The contributor may be reached through the e-mail: [email protected]]
