The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has advised mothers to immunize their children under-five to prevent child mortality.

Dr Isabella Sagoe-Moses, National Coordinator of GHS Child Health Programme, made the call at this year’s joint launch of African Vaccination Week and Child Health Promotion Week celebration in Accra.

The theme for the celebration is: “Healthy Children, Great Future” with a call on stakeholders to protect the country’s future children by acting now.

Dr Sagoe-Moses said this year’s African Vaccination and Child Health Promotion Week sought to raise awareness on how to reduce child mortality rate.

She outlined major causes of death in children which includes asphyxia, infections, prematurity, malaria, diarrhoea, and acute respiratory illnesses.

She, therefore, advised mothers and family members to immunize their children against such diseases and disabilities.

Dr Sagoe-Moses urged mothers to take their children under-five to hospital for immunization frequently, monitor their growth rate and ensure that their food had the necessary nutrients to enhance growth.

Ms Sherry Ayittey, Minister of Health, encouraged mothers to immunize their children since it is the best way to protect children from life-threatening diseases.

Ms Ayittey pledged government’s continuous support to the immunization programme and all child health related programmes.

She urged all to partake in the exercise since this is a shared responsibility for the growth of the country.