A country’s development depends upon its population. To educate about the effect of the rising population, July 11is observed as World population day. The aim of the world population day to raise awareness about the result of the high population on the environment and socio-economic development of the country. It is also aware of the health problems faced by women from frequent pregnancies, the importance of family planning, maternal health, poverty, gender equality, and human rights.

World population day was established in 1989by the United Nations Development Programme. World population day was inspired by the public interest when the population reached Five Billion Day on July 11, 1987.

World Population Day Theme 2020: How to safeguard the health and rights of women and girls now

The COVID-19 crisis has had a shocking toll on people and the economy, but women are more affected. Disruptive supply chain around the world has impacted the unavailability of contraceptives that have enhanced the risk of unintended pregnancy. As countries undergo lockdown, sexual reproductive health services shattered and gender-based violence rises, that’s why this year on World Population Day, UNFPA aims to raise awareness about the sexual and reproductive health needs and vulnerabilities of women and girls during the pandemic.

According to the recent UNFPA research, it is highlighted that if the lockdown continues for six months more with major disruptions to health services, then 47 million women in low- and middle-income countries may not be able to access modern contraceptives resulting in 7 million unintended pregnancies.

The COVID 19 has affected the sustainable development goals of every country and now it depends on the citizens of a country how they move forward with this pandemic.

Negative Effects of High population

A high population can be hindrance in the development of the country:

1. Problem of Unemployment

Fast growth in population makes it impossible to provide employment. As the population increases,a large number of people come to the labor market, but it is not possible to expand jobs that result in unemployment.

• The high cost of Living

Due to the high population difference between demand and supply continues to widen. The increase in population leads to an increased demand for clothes, food products, and, houses, etc., but their supply cannot be increased due to the lack of cooperate factors like skilled labour, capital, and raw materials.

• Effect on the Environment

High population has pushed a large number of people in ecologically sensitive areas such as hillsides and tropical forests. The increase in the number of industries and vehicles to satisfy the ever increasing demand of population has affected the quality of air that leads to Global Warming.

• Social Infrastructure

Social infrastructure requires huge investments. Rapidly growing population leads to scarcity of resources, which makes it unable to provide health, medical, transport, and educational facilities to the entire population.

INFORMATION SOURCE: https://www.unfpa.org/events/world-population-day