Addressing the ceremony at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital in Freetown (PCMH) in Freetown, the Medical Superintendent and Senior Gynecologist Specialist, Dr Alimamy Philip Koroma said the initiative for the training for intervention for the promotion of maternal and child health focuses on not only capacity building but also the attitude of staff to patients and the ethics and code of conduct as health professionals.

He said that behavioral change and competence institutional based training would make a big difference and the necessary impact for the reduction of maternal mortality in achieving the desired goal.

Dr Koroma described the PCMH as the main referral maternity hospital in the country, and praised the Ministry for working on plans towards a teaching hospital status for post graduates training.

The Chief nursing and midwifery office (CNMO) Matron Hossinatu Kanu reiterated for the past years they have seen an increase in the maternal health sector that urged them to sit back and organize a working plan for refresher training.  She mentioned that their focus is to give their health workers a better and improved training on competency and behavioral change in treating pregnant women and children.

Director of reproductive and child health, Dr Santigie Sesay pleaded to health workers during his presentation to continue their good work despite the challenges. He said that health workers should recall that they took oaths to maintain their profession in perfection.

Speaking on behalf of the UN Country team, Dr Abdoulie Jack, representative from the World Health Organization spoke of the commitment  of world leaders in 2014 towards achieving the 17MDGs and the elements of key health indicators for the promotion of maternal and child health. He encouraged them to copy good existing standards and practices from their fellows.