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July 11 -World Population Day
World Population Day is annually observed on July 11. Initiated by the United Nations' (UN), the occasion reaffirms the human right to plan for a family. It encourages activities, events and information to help make this right a reality throughout the world. The concept of World Population Day was first took place in 1968 when world leaders called for basic human right of individuals to determine freely and responsibly the number and timing of their children. The leaders realized the exploding population in many parts of the world. After 21 years when world population reached five billion, the UN instituted World Population Day in 1989. The purpose of this day was to make people aware of population issues and how they are affecting our lives.
High growth of population has an adverse impact on development and environment. Most of the poorer nations have high population growth rate. This not only drains the national resources but deprives the citizens of basic healthcare and facilities. It is hard for governments to fulfill demands of the entire population with limited resources. Many countries in Africa and Asia are affected with the malaise of population explosion. The problem of population does not work in isolation. It leads to other major social problems like unemployment, poverty and social injustice.
On World Population Day, several events and activities are organized by governmental and non-governmental agencies under the guidance of UN to increase people’s awareness on various population issues such as the importance of family planning, human rights, maternal health, poverty and gender equality etc. Business groups, community organizations and individuals make praiseworthy efforts to educate people pertaining to all the population issues. Seminars and educational information sessions are also held in many parts of the world under the supervision of United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA). People living below poverty line are informed about family planning services.
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