Birth on the Brahmaputra
A midwife holds a newborn baby girl who was delivered on a boat in India’s Brahmaputra River. The July photo captures one of 100 million births in 2024, highlighting healthcare challenges in remote regions. These floating medical services provide critical care to communities living along the river’s banks. The baby’s first cry echoes across the water, while the midwife’s experienced hands represent a bridge between traditional birthing practices and modern medical care. Mobile medical units serve over 2,000 river communities annually.