Poor reproductive health services have been identified as the root cause of infant and maternal mortality especially in the developing world.

In his address on the 2012 World Population Day on Wednesday in Ilorin, chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Chief Festus Odimegwu, said maternal morbidity and mortality were most commonly associated with high-risk pregnancies and birth inherent in too early pregancies and birth, having more than four births, and late pregnancies (after 35 years).

"When a woman dies giving birth or a child is orphaned, the ripple effect on the society is enormous. The consequences extend beyond the existence of these individuals and have implications for societal peace, prosperity and stability," he said.

Represented at the occasion by the NPC Federal Commissioner in Kwara State, Alhaji Abubakar Ndakene,  Odimegwu said Nigeria is committed to reducing child mortality and improving maternal health, with the assistance of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), by 2015.

Meanwhile, as part of the celebration of this year's World Population Day, the NPC in Ekiti State has solicited the support and cooperation of the state government.

The NPC Federal Commissioner of Ekiti State, Chief Fola Adedayo, made the call in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday while speaking on this year's celebration of the World Population Day in Ekiti State.

Chief Adedayo said the essence of population activities and the data produced by the commission were meant to allow every part of the nation to know how they are faring and make adjustments where necessary.

The Federal Commissioner, who read the message of the chairman of the NPC, on the occasion, said “the state government should be our very good friend, they should support us."