Yei River State Ministry of Health on Thursday launched the vaccination campaign against measles.
The first phase of the campaign targets greater Yei and Lainya Counties, said Alex Jubek Santo, UNICEF Consultant in Yei during the opening of the exercise, Radio Easter reported.
He urged citizens to disseminate the information to all residents in the two counties in order to leave no child unvaccinated.
Dr Jubek explained that measles is a very dangerous disease that kills and can only be overcome through vaccination.
The consultant advised parents to ensure that their children who are below five years, are vaccinated to prevent them from the disease.
Taban Musa, UNICEF Deputy Director for National Immunization Program, asked the citizens to work together with the vaccinators to provide a quality campaign to the children of Yei and Lainya Counties.
He appreciated the vaccinators for willingly showing up for the campaign which shows that they have a role to play in building the nation.
Musa mentioned that the vaccination is a safe and a free opportunity for every child, urging others to turn up for the vaccination to protect their young ones.
Meanwhile Christine Annite, State Minister of Health urged citizens of Yei and Lainya Counties to allow their children to be immunized.
She explained that measles is a highly contiguous infectious disease with the signs and symptoms of fever running nose cough sneezing red eyes among others.
The immunization campaign is organized by the national Ministry of Health with support from support from UNICEF, the minister said.
The vaccination campaign which started on Thursday and continues for seven days is expected to the end on February13.
The speakers made the statements on Thursday at Yei State Hospital.