Health workers in Region Five were overjoyed after the district was honoured by the Ministry of Health for being the “best performing region in the management of Maternal & Child Health delivery services.”

Regional Health Officer, Venus Smartt said she was “shocked and happy”. The award was presented to health workers during last week at a function hosted by the ministry.

Smartt said she was thankful for the support of the health centres and would like them to continue working together and striving for excellence.

“I am happy that the health system has shown improvement and stability and I hope they go the extra mile in times of need,” she said.

Smartt told this newspaper that the award was presented based on a “general programme exercise by the health centres and on reports and feedback on the region.”

This is not the first time the region has won the award. In 2004, UNICEF handed over a similar award to the region.