Andhra pradesh Disabled free from now' campaign from Feb 26

A.P-Chief Minister, will launch a state-wide campaign to make 'AP Disabled Free from Now' here on February 26, according to State Disabled Welfare Principal Secretary Chaya Ratan.Addressing a press conference here today, Ms Ratan said a study conducted by the state had found that 14 lakh people (about two per cent of the state population) were suffering from disabilities and a majority of them could be prevented if intervened at right time with some behavioural changes.The Chief Minister would flag off the rally from the Secretariat to People's Plaza to sensitise people on preventive steps, she said, adding the campaign would be taken across the state to highlight the need for stopping marriages among close blood relations, child marriages and pregnancy before 18 years.''We need to propagate pregnancy as a special lifetime event and treat expectant mother with care and protection -- ensuring good nutrition, proper healthcare, stress-free environment, 100 iron and folic acid tablets and a safe institutional delivery,'' she said.She stressed the need for timely immunisation of both mother and child, adequate nutrition with stimulating environment for children, especially colostrum at birth and exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months, Vitamin A supplements for children, safe drinking water and iodised salt consumption daily by family. ======================================================