Visakhapatnam North MLA P. Vishnu Kumar Raju called upon pregnant women and lactating mothers to take advantage of the ‘1,000-day protection’ programme, being organised under the aegis of the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS).

The MLA was the chief guest at the ‘Poshan Pakhwada’ programme, held under the aegis of the ICDS Urban Project, Marripalem Sector, at Madhava Swamy Kalyana Mandapam of 51st ward, on Monday.

He distributed fruits and sweets to pregnant women as part of the ‘Seemantham’ programme. He said that the programme was being organised to create awareness of the need for a balanced diet for the proper growth of children.

Urban CDPO Ramani Kumari said that the ‘Poshan Pakhwada’ programme, which commenced on April 8, would continue till April 22. Marripalem Sector Supervisor J.N. Jyothi was present.

Earlier, the MLA went around the stalls put up by the Anganwadis.