Ho, Sept. 05, GNA - Dr. Mcdamien Dedzo, Volta Regional Director of Ghana Health Service (GHS) on Friday urged public health nurses to focus on healthy living; good nutrition and sanitation issues to push the country's drive to attain the Millennium Development Goals to reverse infant and maternal mortality. He said public health nurses must engage their clients in discussions that would increase their knowledge about disease prevention.

Dr. Dedzo said this at the 23rd Annual General Conference of Public Health Nurses Group (PUBHENG) held in Ho on the theme: "Quality Community Service Delivery, the Public Health Nurse as a Pacesetter." He said healthy living was inextricably linked to poverty reduction, adding that an effective public health system would reduce the burden on the health facilities and the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Dr. Dedzo advised the nurses to respect the rights of patients and give care with smiles and love.

Colonel Cyril Necku, (Rtd), Deputy Regional Minister, whose speech was read on his behalf, said health nurses must aim at increasing the life expectancy of the people through health education. He said government recognized the important role health workers were playing in the nation's socio-economic development and was ready to support the sector to deliver its best to the nation.

Ms. Beatrice Appah, National Chairperson of PUBHENG, said the conference would among other things evaluate the performance of the group and plan for the future. The members earlier on undertook medical outreaches in some communities near Ho.