World Contraception Day (WCD) is observed annually on 26th September. WCD is observed to improve awareness of contraception and to enable young people to make an informed decision on their sexual and reproductive health.
i.It was first observed on 26th September, 2007 by ten International family planning organizations to raise awareness about contraception.
ii.It is supported by a group of 15 international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), government organization, scientific and medical societies which spread awareness about sexual and reproductive health.
Group of 15 International NGOs:
Asian Pacific Council on Contraception (APCOC), Centro Latinamericano Salud y Mujer (CELSAM), European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health (ESC), German Foundation for World Population (DSW), International Federation of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (FIGIJ), International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Marie Stopes International, Population Services International (PSI), The Population Council, The USAID(United States Agency for International Development), Women Deliver.
Key Points:
i.Globally around 211 million pregnancies occur each year, out of which more than 40% are unwanted pregnancies. Use of Contraception is vital in Family Planning.
ii.The Contraception pill was first introduced in the United Kingdom in 1961, for married women only.
iii.Birth control will also control population growth.
Family Planning Initiatives in India:
i.The Government of India has enhanced its supply chain system by rolling out Family Planning Logistics Management Information System (FP-LMIS).
ii.The Government of India has been increasing awareness and generating demand for family planning services through media campaigns, it has also increased the domestic investment for family planning.
iii.In July 2017, India agreed to renew its commitment to invest USD $ 3 Billion (approximately Rs 22,000 Crores) by 2020 for the Family Planning Program.
About Ministry of Health & Family Welfare:
Union Minister – Harsh Vardhan
Minister of State (MoS) – Ashwini Kumar Choubey
