World Population Day: Why is Family Planning Important?

World Population Day 2022 is going to be celebrated on July 11, Monday this year. The celebration is held every year on the same day and aims to focus on different aspects of population issues. When the world population reached five billion in the year 1987, it inspired United Nations to establish a day designated as World Population Day two years later. It intends to spread awareness about the importance of World Population Day significance with regard to environmental impact, gender equality, human rights concerns, and family planning.

You may have heard the phrase' family planning' as something synonymous with birth control and using contraception. In reality, it is something beyond and much more than that. In the context of World Population Day 2022, family planning includes comprehensive sexuality education at the school level. It also covers quality reproductive healthcare services for adolescents and adults. All this largely benefits individuals as well as communities as large. Read on to know more about the significance of World Population Day 2022 and how family planning can help us check the population explosion.

World Population Day Historical Facts  

In 1989, the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) proposed the observance of World Population Day on July 11. It leveraged the public interest that was garnered for the celebration of 'Five Billion Day' on the same day two years earlier. Later the day was passed by a resolution in United Nations General Assembly held in December 1990. This brings us to observe World Population Day 2022, which is the 32nd celebration to date.

World Population Day Significance 

World Population Day 2022 aims to draw attention to problems caused by the increasing population across the globe. Population Day's significance lies in the fact that overpopulation is a major cause of concern when resources on the earth are diminishing at an alarming rate. In the backdrop of World Population Day 2022, there are situations like the pandemic. This brought to light the inequalities in access to resources like healthcare. Overpopulation also has an impact on maternal health, especially during pregnancy and childbirth.

The lack of resources created by overpopulation is also forcing people into illegal or criminal activities to make a living. On World Population Day 2022, keep in mind that crimes like child labor and human trafficking are gaining prominence. This puts the spotlight on gender inequality and human rights violations. By understanding these implications, you can observe World Population Day 2022 in a more informed manner.

Growth Trends to Know on World Population Day 2022 

It took millions of years for the world to consist of 1 billion human beings. But did you know that it took just around 200 years for the population to become 7 billion? This was a marker that was reached in 2011. In 2021, the global population was at 7.9 billion. It is now expected to reach around 8.5 billion by 2030. In 2050, the expected world population is 9.7 billion, and the same for the year 2100 is 10.9 billion.

As you consider the World Population Day significance, take a moment to think about these figures. All of them reflect significant growth in the number of people who survive to the reproductive age. It also indicates dramatic changes in fertility rates due to urbanization and migration. On World Population Day 2022, keep in mind that these parameters will have a wide impact on the lives and living standards of upcoming generations. Also, note that life on earth has been largely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic since late 2019. This has caused more than 6,340,000 (6 crores, 34 lakh) deaths worldwide so far.

Challenges in India to be aware of on World Population Day 2022 

India's population is more than 138 crore today, and by 2027 the country may overtake China to become the most populous country in the world [1]. World Population Day 2022 reminds us that in such a situation, measures are being taken to control the acceleration in the growth of our population. The latest National Family and Health Survey (NFHS) conducted in 2015-16 found that fertility rates are higher among women who are in the economically backward category and have no access to education [2].

As a consequence, it is hard right now to exclude families with more than two children from government schemes and welfare initiatives. This is because it will impact the disadvantaged sections of society severely. On World Population Day 2022, keep in mind that new technologies are helping this matter. They ensure better access to education and healthcare for all.

Why is Family Planning Important? 

Be it an overpopulated country like India or a country with its population in control, educating people about family planning is extremely important in either case. As the world celebrates World Population Day , take a look at the important aspects of family planning.

• It promotes maternal health  
• It helps parents focus on the comprehensive health and well-being of their children 
• It educates adolescents and adults about their sexual and reproductive health 
• It can help avoid unplanned pregnancies 
• It can also help reduce teenage pregnancies 
• It can help you plan and manage your finances better 
• It can help prevent sexually transmitted infections through the utilization of contraceptive methods 
• It can promote healthier relationships between family members 
• It is an integral part of population control 

As you observe World Population Day 2022, give these thoughts a moment of your time. You can also spread the word about the importance of family planning on social media and other channels on World Population Day 2022 to do your bit.

Considering all these aspects of population challenges and family planning, it is easy to understand the importance of Population Day significance. Make sure to learn about other such days like National Doctors' Day and World Family Doctor Day and observe them spread awareness or show your gratitude.

In case you have any concerns regarding family planning (for example, concerns about any genetic disease you or your partner carry), don't hesitate to get a doctor's consultation. You can do so today with ease remotely by using the Bajaj Finserv Health platform. Select from thousands of doctors across specialties and book a teleconsultation in minutes! For more flexibility, you can customize your search as per the experience, qualification, gender, time of availability, languages are known, and location of the doctor. Clarify your doubts today to manage your reproductive health better.