Bhubaneswar, July 11(OT Webdesk): In a resounding call for sustainable development and reproductive rights, Odisha celebrated World Population Day 2025 with a state-level event at Gita Govinda Sadan, Bhubaneswar.
The event, spearheaded by Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, marked the launch of the “Population Stabilisation Fortnight,” spotlighting the state’s commitment to accessible family planning and gender equity.
Odisha’s fertility rate now stands at 1.8 — significantly lower than the national average of 2.1 — signalling the impact of targeted interventions, service provider training, and community-level engagement through ASHA workers.
The unmet need for family planning has also seen a sharp decline from 13.6% to 7.2%.
“Our efforts are rooted in empowering women and protecting maternal health,” Dr. Mahaling noted, calling for an end to practices like child marriage and reinforcing the importance of birth spacing.
The event also saw the first-ever financial recognition of frontline health workers under the new government.
Districts and medical professionals excelling in population control initiatives were felicitated, with special focus on reproductive health education and community awareness.
Officials, including Dr. Rajashree Pattnaik, Dr. Amarendra Mohanty, and Dr. Muralidhar Padhi, emphasised the state’s drive toward equitable healthcare and population balance, aligning with global sustainability goals.
