89 students graduated with diplomas in midwifery and clinical medicine from Maridi Health Science Institute in South Sudan’s Maridi State on July 16.

The students’ programs at the institute were supported by African Medical Research Foundation (AMREF).

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the acting state governor, Samuel Bati urged the graduates to be good ambassadors and embrace the culture of peace wherever they go to serve.

Mary Sungu, a member of the state legislative assembly, said AMREF has helped to reduce child mortality rates in the state and the entire country.

She urged all the graduates to practice their professions diligently.

Mary Atieno, a United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative, said emphasis should be put on quality training.

On her part, Hanna Carlson, the First Secretary at the Swedish embassy in South Sudan, said they have supported midwifery since 2012 to reduce the country’s maternal mortality rate.

Janet Michael, the director general at the national ministry of health, urged the graduates to remain in the profession and serve the nation.