Apam (C/R), May 24, GNA - Mr Isaac Edumadze, Central Regional Minister, has commended the Central Regional Health Directorate for their hard work and good policies that had lead to the reduction of maternal mortality in the region.

Mr Edumadze particularly commended the Regional Director of Health Services Dr Aaron Offei, for his good leadership, which contributed to the success of the Directorate's work.

The Minister made the commendation when he launched the celebration of the Central Regional Nurses Week at Apam under the theme: "Nurses for Patient safety. Targeting counterfeits and sub-standards.

Before Dr Offei took over the administration some three years ago the rates of maternal mortality, HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy were alarming but now their prevalence rates were coming down, the Minister said.

He said the fight against counterfeits and sub-standard medicines should not be an issue to only the health practitioners.

"We are all at risk and therefore should join the crusade of weeding out counterfeit drug from our communities", Mr. Edumadze said. He told the nurses that the nation needed their services more than ever before and expressed the hope that they would not turn their backs to the people.