Meet the first babies of 2025

A few minutes after midnight at the MSF-supported maternity ward in Boost Provincial Hospital in Helmand province, a brave mother, eight months pregnant, welcomed her baby boy into the world. The family is overjoyed with the arrival of their little bundle of joy, and they’ve chosen to name him Haqmal. The proud father, Lal Mohammad, and the parents are excited to start this new chapter in their lives. © MSF

At 12:06 am a baby girl was welcomed into the world in southeastern Khost Province of Afghanistan. Shabana, weighing 3.13 kg, was the first baby born at our Khost Maternity Hospital in 2025. Shabana is the first child for her parents, and both baby and mum are both doing well. © MSF

Nur Shahera, born to Shomin Ara at 5 am in Jamtoli Primary Healthcare Centre, Bangladesh. “When I started experiencing labor pains, I went to the MSF’s Hakimpara Primary Healthcare Centre, where they referred me to this clinic. Thanks to Almighty, I had a smooth delivery without any complications like tearing or prolonged labor. The midwives took good care of me. This is my second child, and I'm so happy about it. We've been blessed with a baby girl. I hope my children have a better future.” © Tanbin Marufa/MSF

A baby boy, as yet unnamed, born to mother Rokeya at 5:30 am in Kutupalong Secondary Healthcare Hospital, Bangladesh. “I dream that one day my son will become a teacher and educate many people. It was tough for me to continue my studying, but I want to give my son a good education.” © Jesmin Ara Joly/MSF
 

Ayesha, born to Abdul Karim and his wife, residents of Zanana Bazar, Chaman, at the MSF maternity unit at 12:50 am, weighing 2.7 kg. © MSF

Baby girl born to Aqeela at 6:35 am in MSF's maternity practice in Kuchlak, weighing 2.8 kg. © MSF

Nyakuola arrived at hospital at 3am on 1 January, and her baby girl was born at 8:20am, weighing 3.21kg. It was a smooth delivery assisted by the Midwife on duty, Duol, Midwife assistant Dor, and Midwife Activity Manager, Bella. Nyakuola wanted to give back to the maternity team by allowing them to name her daughter. The team settled on Nyamuch, which means ‘gift’ in the local language of Nuer. “All of my babies have been born at MSF hospital and I am always very grateful.” © MSF

The first baby born in 2025 in the Um Rakuba refugee camp hospital is a boy! Mother Rigat gave birth to her baby boy at 2:25am. She's Ethiopian and was forced to flee to Sudan when the conflict in Tigray started in 2020. "It's hard to express in words what it means to me to deliver my healthy baby after everything we've been through with the conflict and now after years in this camp. But even in the happiness, I think of the future and if my child will have a chance for education and life without these same challenges. More than anything, I am hoping for a peaceful future." © MSF