World Population Day: Speakers call for raising awareness on population issues

Expressing serious concern over the rapid population growth in Pakistan, speakers at different functions held here on Thursday in connection with "World Population Day," called for raising awareness among the people on population issues including the importance of family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health, and human rights.
Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world with 208 million people and a population growth rate of 2.4% per year. The rising population numbers are likely to outstrip developmental gains, and continue to adversely affect the economy, environment, health, education and quality of the lives of all citizens, the speakers said.
While addressing a ceremony held at a local hotel, Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid announced to start a special family planning campaign across the province.
Dr Yasmin said that 10000 to 15000 women die during child delivery every year in Pakistan and there is a need to promote public awareness about family planning in the society. She said that LHVs role in family planning is very important and asked the doctors to educate mothers coming to hospitals about the need of family planning. She said that government is taking necessary steps to secure the health of mother and child.