World Population Day is an annual event which is observed on the 11th of July. This day focuses on the urgency to deal with the increasing world population. World Population Day 2018 follows the theme, "Family Planning is a human right." This day was observed for the first time in the year 1989 by the then-Governing Council of the United Nations Developmental Programme. In 1968, for the first time, family planning was affirmed to be a human right globally by the International Conference on Human Rights. This year, it celebrates its 50th anniversary. This has given parents the basic right to freely determine the number of children they wish to have and how they wish to space birthing. Both men and women have the right to choose when and how often they wish to embrace parenthood.

Also read: World Population Day: History And Significance

According to a report submitted by the World Health Organisation, the number of maternal deaths has rose up to 303,000 by 2015 and as per the medical reports, the number is increasing day-by-day at an alarming pace. While unplanned child-bearing severely affects the mother, studies have also shown that it also have serious repercussions on the child as well as the father.

On World Population Day 2018, know the many benefits of proper birth-spacing. 

Also read: World Population Day: 11 Essential Facts You Must Know

1.    Reduces infant mortality risks

According to WHO, keeping a gap between two kids reduces the risk of untimely death of the born child. The gap years help mothers in getting back to normal health and restores the lost nutrients during gestation period. However, when a mother conceives year-after-year, she fail to provide insufficient nutrients to the growing child inside. 

2.    Prevents Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)

Using proper contraceptives and pills to prevent unintended pregnancies, one can prevent deadly sexually transmitted diseases like Syphilis, AIDS etc. which affects both father and mother equally. Studies have also shown that, acquiring sexual diseases also takes toll on your physical health.

Also Read: World Population Day 2017: Our Population Today And Other Facts!​

3.    Reduces risk of producing disabled child

Unplanned pregnancies and being unmindful of your sexual health leads to reduction of nutrient content in the mother's body. The Iron deficiency post-pregnancy often increases the risk of producing unhealthy and disabled child. 

4.    Prevents Adolescent Pregnancies

Awareness about family planning empowers girls and women to take decisions wisely. National Health Reports have shown that most of the health-related problems arise in girls below the age of 18 due to pre-mature pregnancy. Family Planning therefore helps them stay healthy and concentrate on their desires and future planning.

Also Read: World Population Day 2017: Injectable Contraceptives Launched In Maharashtra

Happy World Population Day!

 

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