The Population Explosion - The Concern of All Nations

There are over four billion people unevenly distributed over the world's habitable areas. The quality of their lives is to a major extent influenced by patterns of population growth and density. Some countries are already facing serious problems of over-population, manifesting themselves in the form of food shortages, inadequate housing, poor health and educational services, and high unemployment rates. Others fear that patterns of modern living may lead to ecological deterioration and depletion of natural resources. The threat such situations may pose to the balance between the earth's peoples and the earth's ability to support them is becoming a priority matter for universal concern and action.
A family planning adviser talks to a family on a Malaysian plantation. The Government of Malaysia signed an agreement with the UN Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) in 1973 to extend Malaysia's family planning to all sectors of the population, particularly those in the countryside. It is expected that by 1975 family planning service in Malaysia will be available to the entire population. [Exact date unknown]