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World Population Day Proclaimed

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): July 10, 1997 - On July 10, 1997, President Jacob Nena declared and proclaimed July 11, 1997, as the World Population Day in the FSM, consistent with proclamation by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in response to the International Conference on Population and Development 1994 Plan of Action.

President Nena call on all National and State governments, including non-governmental organizations together with the general public in the FSM, irrespective of race, color, religion, sex and age, national origin or political affiliation to observe World Population Day, July 11, by actively participating in activities to increase the pubic's understanding of the importance of adolescent reproductive health through mass dissemination of pamphlets, brochures and posters in public areas, schools, public health clinics; to broadcast UNFPA message over the States Radio Stations and TV stations, where available; to conduct a Men Seminar on family health/planning in Chuuk; to improve the quality of reproductive health of adolescent population.

UNFPA reported that there are more than one billion young people today between age 15 and 24, the biggest new generation ever; entering adulthood, many are concerned with getting married, starting a family and raising their children healthy.

In doing so, they need to behave responsibly in their reproductive health to protect their own and health of those they love. Adults at all levels in the home and community, in government and international organizations are duty bound to help the young generation to make a lifelong right decisions.