Photographs: Erik De Castro/Reuters
Even as 23-year-old Vinita and Ajay from Uttar Pradesh have been giving interviews after interviews after having brought to the world the seven billionth baby, another mother is being cheered miles away at a hospital in Philippines capital Manila for the same feat.
A baby girl, named Nargis, at a local community health centre at 7.20 am on the outskirts of Lucknow, was welcomed as India's seventh-billionth baby, Bhagyeshwari, executive director of NGO Plan India, which is conducting the exercise, said.
Weighing 2.5kg, Danica May Camacho was delivered just before midnight on Sunday amid an explosion of media flash bulbs in the delivery room at Manila's Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital. A thrilled Camille Dalura, Danica's mother, said, "I can't believe she is the world's seven billion."
Click on NEXT to see more PHOTOS...
PHOTOS: The world's 7 billionth baby
Photographs: Erik De Castro/Reuters
Top United Nations officials in the Philippines presented the child with a small cake. Besides, there were also gifts from local benefactors, including a scholarship grant for the child's study, and a livelihood package to enable the parents to start a general store.
According to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) State of the World Population Report, the Philippines is the 12th most populous country in the world with 94.9 million people.
Click on NEXT to see more PHOTOS
PHOTOS: The world's 7 billionth baby
Photographs: Erik De Castro/Reuters
As the world's population touched the landmark seven billion mark, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for "unity of purpose" among people across nations to address problems of climate change, economic crisis and inequality.
"Some say our planet is too crowded. I say we are seven billion strong. But we will only be able to use that strength for the benefit of all if our societies are built on mutual respect and understanding," Moon said.
Moon said the world must come together "on this special day... in the name of the global common good."
Click on NEXT to see more PHOTOS...
PHOTOS: The world's 7 billionth baby
Photographs: Erik De Castro/Reuters
China continues to have the biggest share of the population at 1.35 billion, followed by India at 1.24 billion.
The State of the World Population report noted that in many parts of the developing world, where population growth outpaces economic growth, reproductive health care remains a crucial issue.Click on NEXT to see more PHOTOS...
PHOTOS: The world's 7 billionth baby
Photographs: Erik De Castro/Reuters
Dr Eric Tayag of the Philippines' Department of Health said later that the birth came with a warning.
"Seven billion is a number we should think about deeply," he said.
"We should really focus on the question of whether there will be food, clean water, shelter, education and a decent life for every child," he said, adding, "If the answer is 'no,' it would be better for people to look at easing this population explosion."
Click on NEXT to see more PHOTOS...
PHOTOS: The world's 7 billionth baby
Photographs: Erik De Castro/Reuters
UN Population Fund's executive director Babatunde Osotimehin said actions taken now will decide whether the future of the seventh billion baby will be healthy, sustainable and prosperous or marked by inequalities, environmental decline and economic setbacks.
"The world must seize the opportunity to invest in the health and education of its youth to reap the full benefits of future economic development or else face a continuation of the sorry state of disparities in which hundreds of millions of people in developing nations lack the most basic ingredients for a decent life," Osotimehin said.
He said planning and the right investments in people will empower them to make choices that are not only good for themselves, but also for a world of seven billion.
Click on MORE to see related feature...
article