The Health Educator of Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mrs. Usioma Popo, has advised parents to release their children for the two-phased immunisation campaign going on in the State.

Popo made the call in Asaba during the measles vaccination campaign billed to commence from March 1 to 6 for the first phase, and 8 to 13 for the second phase.

She emphasised that measles is highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease, caused by a virus, and that it spreads by droplets or direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of affected persons.

She pleaded with parents to allow their children be involved in the immunisation exercise because unvaccinated children are at the greatest risk of dying from the complications.

She added that measles kills more children in Nigeria than any other disease.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Asaba, Dr. Oseji, advocated that parents should give their required cooperation in the bid by the government to actualize the aim of the programme.

According to him, “It is very important to immunise our children at the age of nine months to five years and advised parents to position their children for the measles vaccination exercise performed by the Primary Health Care Unit.

Also, the Executive Director of the Ministry, Dr. Jude Winful-Orieke, noted that immunisation is free and that parents should endeavour to bring their children for the immunisation against measles vaccine since unvaccinated pregnant women are at risk.

“Eating balance diet, living in a conducive environment will help to boost the immune system of our children,” he said, adding that mothers’ breastfeeding their babies should pass through vaccine.