Wife of Nasarawa State Governor, Hajiya Salamatu Tanko-Al-Makura has appealed to women in the country to cultivate the habit of taking their children to healthcare centres for routine vaccination against killer diseases.

She gave the advice during a visit to Kwandare in Lafia local government area of the state on Tuesday, noting that regular immunisation of children would prevent them from child killer diseases.

Hajia Al-Makura explained that the Al-Makura-led administration had enough vaccines for immunisation due to its drug revolving fund programme.

She appealed to parents to avail themselves and their children of this opportunity by visiting the nearest health facility outreach centres for the free services.

According to her, “Out of every seven Nigerian children born two dies, and majority of these deaths occur at home because 70 per cent of women give birth at home.”

Al-Makura said that the state government was doing a lot to ensure that there was an effective healthcare service in the area of maternal and childcare.

She expressed sadness over the high maternal, newborn and child deaths in the state and the country in general in spite of government prompt intervention.

“Most of the deaths are preventable using simple control measures as such women should imbibe disease preventive measures at all times.”

Al-Makura expressed dismay over the refusal of women to patronise healthcare facilities.

She urged the Ministry for Heath to ensure 100 per cent coverage of polio vaccination and other child killer diseases through improved monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

Al-Makura also appealed to traditional, religious and women leaders as well as local government officials to join the fight against maternal/child mortality. (NAN)

•Photo shows Gov. Al-Makura

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