The United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), has pledged its support for Nigeria’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The Country Representative of UNFPA, Dr Agathe Lawson told news in Lagos on Tuesday that maternal and new-born health would be areas of assistance.

“Although we still have four years before the submission of MDG report at the UN General Assembly, we found out that Nigeria is still lagging behind in maternal and new-born health.

UNFPA is in Nigeria to support the government in making sure that issues of maternal and new-born health is given priority and to achieve success in its ramifications,’’ she said.

Lawson, who scored Nigeria high in other areas of the MDGs, stressed the need for local and international support for the country to achieve outstanding success.

She urged government at all levels to put in place appropriate “friendly structures’’ to promote maternal and new-born health.

The UNFPA boss said it was imperative to promote issues of maternal health because of the increasing number of women and children who had died at critical stages.

Lawson commended the effort of wives of some state governors for their commitment to safe maternal and new-born babies in their states.

“The fact that UNFPA is supporting government and some states are giving emphasis to issues of maternal health makes me believe that it is achievable,’’ she added.

Lawson also called for improved data collection system in health centres across the country to facilitate safe and quick deliveries.

She, however, warned women against having children at close intervals because of what she called the dangers it posed to their health and reproductive system.

“We need to review the whole process of cultural beliefs and monitoring of government’s free delivery policy.

“We need to make sure that every woman delivers safely and in good condition,” she said.