It is estimated that 782 babies were born on New Year’s Day in the Pacific, with one of the first babies born at the Nausori Maternity Ward.

According to UNICEF, Laisani Raisili gave birth to a baby at 12.10am in Nausori.

39 babies were born on New Year’s Day in Fiji.

UNICEF Pacific Representative Sheldon Yett says every mother and newborn must have access to quality health care and it’s important to make those early moments matter, starting with investing in health workers to ensure every mother and newborn is cared for by a safe pair of hands.

Meanwhile, according to UNICEF, there is news of hope to welcome the new decade for Samoa as they continue their battle against measles as 13 babies were born on New Year’s Day.