Freetown — Some 60 maternal and child health (MCH) aides have been presented with certificates after completing training on child mortality in Magburaka.

Chief nursing officer in the ministry of health and sanitation, Mabel Carew called on nurses to work ethically, selflessly and sincerely in the discharge of their duties. Carew said nurses should be seen as role models in their various communities.

She described the certificates as a 'baptismal torch' in a new era of commitment, adding that they should be seen as responsible individuals delivering quality and efficient services.

She implored the grandaunts to encourage traditional birth attendants to work with them as a team in the fight against maternal and newborn mortality.

EPI and child health programme manager, Dr. Thomos Samba said his ministry was currently working on the status of all health care workers in the country with a view to improving their conditions of service.

Dr. Samba said poor remuneration was one of the factors responsible for the brain drain in the medical profession.

He encouraged the nurses to be friendly and helpful to their patients, adding that a good patient and nursing relationship would yield dividend in the reduction of maternal and newborn mortality.