Events

Implementation of the population policy has commenced with the 'Population Week' observed from 16 to 22 October, 2000. Activities during the week focussed on getting support from Pradhans and included:

SIFPSA on this occasion developed a special communication campaign with themes to sensitize pradhans, promote delaying the age at marriage of girls and promoting spacing methods of family planning. Messages were broadcast on popular programmes of Doordarshan and on all AIR stations of Uttar Pradesh, and through the press. Meetings, processions and debates at district and block level also helped carry these messages to the people.

With a view to provide an array of health services and communicate the health benefits of family planning, the Government of India in association with the Government of U.P. and SIFPSA organized a Swasthya Mela (Health Fair) at Mathura from 17 to 19 September, 2000. More than 20 stalls were set up at the mela for diagnosis and treatment. In addition, RCH services in the form of immunization of children and pregnant women, family planning counselling for both women and men, diagnosis of STIs/RTIs were available. Free consultation and check-up of women by a gynaecologist was done at a stall setup by the Indian Medical Association.

SIFPSA along with its partner Hindustan Latex Limited (H L L ) actively participated in sponsoring the mela. A SIFPSA-HLL stall was also setup, which in addition to displaying technical and communication material prepared by SIFPSA, also promoted the sale of priced brands of contraceptives. Attractive displays as well as a lucky draw attracted a large number of visitors to the stall. Folk performances with messages on reproductive health mixed with entertainment were a big draw with the crowd. Two video-vans were used for publicity before the mela and performed shows at the mela venue. A lady counsellor on MCH was also in attendance and a large number of women benefited from counselling during the three days. Tubectomy & NSV services were also made available.

The mela was a major success with almost 30,000 patients examined. 67 cases of tubectomy and 4 cases of vasectomy were performed and more than 453 patients were treated for various STIs/RTIs. Hundreds of women sought MCH & family planning counselling.