Our Favorite Photos of 2024

This year, Partners In Health (PIH) continued to push for a more equitable world where every person’s right to quality health care is a reality. A modern canoe turned the tide in Liberia, giving families access to the hospital and school. Community health workers provided timely mental health care to patients.  Students celebrated the start of their education at Rwanda’s top-ranked University of Global Health Equity (UGHE).

Below, those moments and others are documented by PIH photographers across the 11 locations where we work. Throughout the story, staff members share reflections on the memorable moments they experienced alongside clinicians and patients, highlighting the impact of our shared efforts.

PIH Nurse Mampiti Mpiti leads a group exercise for expectant mothers at Manamaneng Health Center in Thaba-Tseka District, Lesotho. Photo by Justice Kalebe / PIH

Reflection from Justice Kalebe, photographer at PIH Lesotho:

“As a humanitarian photographer, understanding the mission and values of the organization is crucial for effectively conveying the stories behind the images I capture. When I visit the sites, I take the time to familiarize myself with the communities served by PIH clinics, adding depth to my photographs. During a visit to the Manamaneng Health Center, I met ‘Malisebo Sebilo (top photo) and her daughter, Ntsine, from Pholeng village, while they were collecting meals from the PIH-supported Lesotho Nutrition Initiative. ‘Malisebo has partial hearing impairment, and I worked to establish a rapport with her to capture authentic, engaging images in a dignified manner. Despite the snowy conditions, which made photography challenging, I seized the rare opportunity to focus on emotions, expressions, and interactions between mother and child through close-ups and detailed shots, providing a comprehensive view of their story. My time in Manamaneng was enjoyable, as I was able to connect with the subjects and create spontaneous moments that resulted in powerful images resonating with viewers and contributing to PIH’s mission. As a humanitarian photographer, I use my work as a monitoring and evaluation tool to document the impactful work PIH is doing. I find fulfillment in traveling to different sites, meeting clients, and capturing storytelling elements that effectively engage PIH's audience and partners, enriching my overall experience.”

In honor of International Women’s Day, staff from PIH Rwanda, known locally as Inshuti Mu Buzima (IMB), and the Kirehe District Hospital gathered to honor both organizations’ women with a celebration in Kirehe, Rwanda. Photo by Asher Habinshuti / PIH

Reflection from Asher Habinshuti, photographer at IMB: 

“I felt both honored and exhilarated to witness and document such an uplifting event. In Rwanda, the increase in women’s employment in recent years has been remarkable, with more women stepping into skilled sectors such as science, engineering, health care and manufacturing. This shift represents progress, not just for women, but for the entire society. Seeing men actively celebrating women on a day like Women’s Day is deeply meaningful. It’s more than just joy, it’s symbolic. Moments like these reflect the breaking of stereotypes and a communal acknowledgment of the vital roles women play in every aspect of life. As a photographer, capturing this moment felt like preserving a story of unity, respect, and shared appreciation. It’s a testament to how far we’ve come and a reminder of the work that remains in ensuring equality. The energy in the room, the laughter, and the confetti were more than just celebratory, they were proof of progress and hope for an even brighter future.”
 

Cherlie St. Fleur and her son, Henry Monay, outside of the conference room at Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais (HUM) in Haiti, during the Journey to 9 Plus (J-9) graduation ceremony. The J-9 program gives women and their newborns constant care and support throughout pregnancy and the baby’s first year. Photo by Mélissa Jeanty / PIH

Reflection from Mélissa Jeanty, multimedia specialist at Zanmi Lasante, as PIH is known in Haiti: 

“We were getting ready to head out to another Zanmi Lasante site when someone told us there was a J-9 graduation taking place at HUM. As we approached various mothers and asked if they’d be willing to share their stories with us, Cherlie happily volunteered. After a challenging delivery and surgery to remove her fibroids, she expressed immense gratitude to the J-9 team and was delighted at being able to have and hold her firstborn, Henry, whom she affectionately calls her "ti chouchou," or her "little boo." What makes this photo special to me is the joy: the joy of that day of celebration, her joy in becoming a mother, and the joy of connecting with people through their stories.”

Community members in Puluken, Liberia, gather to welcome PIH CEO Dr. Sheila Davis and to express their gratitude for the Puluken Town Canoe. PIH Liberia conceptualized and helped build the 15-seat motorized boat, which allows the community to cross the Hoffman River and access essential health services. Photo by Luther N. Mafalleh / PIH

Participants in the PIH Engage Training Institute met at the United States Capitol for Hill Day and held more than 100 meetings with legislative staff members. Photo by Jessey Dearing / PIH

Reflection from Jessey Dearing, video producer and editor: 

“It was a beautiful and warm August morning in front of the U.S. Capitol, where hundreds of PIH Engagers were meeting for Hill Day. Everyone was showing up, getting coffee and donuts to prep for their meetings with legislative staff members. There was really nice early morning light on the Capitol, but where everyone was standing was a bit shaded and not very interesting visually. Sam Kelts, manager of grassroots strategy, was standing in this slight dapple of light and her orange ‘Injustice has a cure’ PIH hat was bright enough to match the exposure of the Capitol building behind her. I took a few moments trying to get the right angle and focal length as she was moving around talking to people. I needed to be close enough to read the words, but also make it obvious that it was the Capitol in the background.”

Sahr Moses Jawara (left), mental health and psychosocial assistant supervisor, meets with Aiah Messah in Sierra Leone. Through a robust team of community health workers, homeless individuals living with mental illness are connected to psychosocial counseling, rehabilitation activities, and income-generating projects. Photo by Abubakarr Tappiah Sesay / PIH

Reflection from Abubakarr Tappiah Sesay, multimedia specialist at PIH Sierra Leone:

“Aiah Missah is a 44-year-old resident of Sedu/Seidu village, in the interior of Koidu City, a 29 km distance (1 hour, 5 min drive) to Koidu City. Like many mental health patients, Aiah was abandoned by his family members. His only caretaker was his grandma, who passed away in 2023. He’s cared for now by Isata, a resident of Sedu/Seidu Village.

In taking this photo, I sensed a brotherly bond between Jawara and Aiah. Their connection is like two orphan brothers in a strange land with no parents or guardians, wherein the situation forced one to look out for the sick one. Seeing the role Jawara played in Aiah’s life touched me! For a moment, I became paralyzed. Such moments give me reasons to keep on keeping on and remind me to always be ready to support others with my skills.

I feel fulfilled to be given the opportunity to be present and pause a wonderful moment of empathy, altruism, and [un]wavering concern being displayed in one shot. These types of moments and pictures are my sources of motivation in my work due to their authenticity.

The bumpy, narrow, and rocky roads, rough weather, bike breakdowns, and late home return are all worth it to capture and process such a rare humanity moment.”  

Construction workers build the North Ward of the Maternal Center of Excellence (MCOE), a state-of-the-art facility for maternal and child health in Kono District, Sierra Leone. At the MCOE, 67% of construction workers are women. Photo by Chiara Herold / PIH 

At Compañeros En Salud, as PIH is known in Mexico, Dr. Azucena Espinoza meets with patient Britzel Danaeth Perez Roblero and his mother, Rita Roblero Galvez, at Hospital Básico Comunitario Ángel Albino Corzo in Jaltenango. Photo by Francisco Teran / PIH 

Nurse Hilda Mbalati treats patients with cervical cancer at Neno District Hospital in Malawi. Photo by Joseph Mizere / PIH

Reflection from Joseph Mizere, photographer at Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (APZU), as PIH is known in Malawi:

"Hilda Mbalati is a dedicated nurse who has spent much of her life advocating for women’s reproductive health and cervical cancer awareness. Her passion for educating women and promoting health has made a significant impact in her community. Known for her constant smile, she is a beloved figure at Neno District Hospital, where both patients and staff recognize her warmth and dedication.  For me, being able to capture people like Hilda in photos is a deeply personal experience. It's more than just taking a picture, it’s about preserving the essence of their kindness, strength, and commitment to making a difference. Hilda’s smile and dedication are reminders of how powerful the work of individuals can be in shaping lives and communities. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to share their stories through my lens, because it's these moments that truly inspire me.”

UGHE's third cohort of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery students celebrate after receiving their white coats during a ceremony in Butaro, Rwanda. Photo by Asher Habinshuti / PIH

Patrick Francis, a 19-year-old ASPIRE project participant trained in tailoring, uses his sewing skills to make a living and serve his community in Malawi. The ASPIRE project equips teenagers living with HIV with education and skills to enable healthy decision making and economic mobility. Photo by Madock Masina / PIH

Nina Sandra Natasha Ngowi, UGHE Master of Science in Global Health Delivery alumna, during the graduation ceremony with her daughter, Isheja Vania Rubagumya. Photo by Asher Habinshuti / PIH

Reflection from Asher Habinshuti, photographer at IMB:

“Graduation is a milestone that represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication—not only for the graduates themselves but also for the families who stand by them throughout the journey. When I saw the child sitting close to her mother, who was proudly wearing her cap and gown, I felt a wave of emotion and a deep sense of pride in capturing such a meaningful moment. This image speaks to more than just individual success; it’s a powerful reminder that accomplishments are often shared. It’s about the support systems that make the journey possible and the inspiration we pass on to those who follow in our footsteps.”

Over 90 people, including patients and their families, joined Socios En Salud, as PIH is known in Peru, in the closing activities for a mental health program for individuals living with schizophrenia. Photo by Diego Diaz / PIH

Janki Moneni, 61, receives treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis at Botšabelo Hospital in Maseru, Lesotho. Photo by Justice Kalebe / PIH