World in Progress

So far, the COVID-19 virus has infected about 200,000 people worldwide. To help contain the outbreak, hygiene and information is key. Some countries are doing this better than others. Leading by example is South Korea for instance where everyone gets notifications about new infections by mobile phone. We also talk about how to protect us and the elderly from the disease.

In this edition: Millions of people are forced to toil in forms of modern slavery across the world. Find out what is being done to help them from an NGO that's been fighting slavery for almost two centuries — and: meet an inspiring woman who escaped slavery in the 19th century and became one of the icons of the abolitionist movement: the amazing story of Harriet Tubman.

In the spirit of International Women’s Day, we're looking at women’s rights across the globe with human rights lawyer and podcaster Kate Kelly. We’ll also hear from Mexican activists who are putting a name and a face to victims of femicide online. NGOs are also finding creative ways to keep women out of harm’s way in climate-hit regions. Plus, an unlikely DJ sets the Moscow club scene on fire.

Topics: Human Development Report director Pedro Conceição (UNDP) explains why development goes beyond economic growth and why tackling inequalties is so vital ++ A snake-bite prevention program that saves lives in E-Swatini could help people across the world.

Medical doctors are in high demand and many leave their home countries for better jobs and more pay abroad. That's a dilemma many countries in Africa are facing, including Ghana, where many doctors take off once they have completed their medical degree. The problem is even worse in the countryside. But trying to fix the issue is often met with resistance, as Moritz Pompl discovered.

As expanding locust swarms threaten the food security of millions of people in East Africa, we talk to a UN expert about what needs to be done to avert a famine. We'll also visit Zimbabwe, where years of drought and a collapsing economy have left half the population facing hunger, and find out why women and girls often bear the brunt of food crises.

This week, we meet activists in sub-Saharan Africa who are trying to change entrenched cultural beliefs surrounding female genital mutilation, and find out how motorbike ambulances are saving lives in remote Indian villages. We'll also hear from victims of Mexico's drug war who are campaigning for peace amid ongoing violence.

The current Corona virus outbreak highlights the importance or international coordination in health, and the World Health Organization plays and important role in that. But as UN members states have decreased regular contributions, the WHO now increasingly relies on private donors, whose agendas also influence international health policies. Conflicts of interest may harm millions of people.

How can prisons help prepare inmates for the outside world once they are released? In Germany one big concern is that inmates don't lose touch with their kids. We also hear about how inmates are being taught basic skills at prisons in Cambodia.

Human Rights Watch says decades of progress on human rights are at stake because of China — we hear from the NGO's executive director who was barred from entering Hong Kong. Critical voices are silenced in Morocco where 15 journalists, bloggers, rappers and social media users have been arrested. And unwanted immigrants in Japan who have been denied asylum end up in prolonged detention.

What does automation mean for Bangladesh's textile workers? A young Syrian has invented a heater that runs on pistachio shells to stave off the cold — could it help those in refugee camps survive the winter? And: ever heard of human Google?

Villagers in the Kendeng mountains of Java fight for their livelihoods as an increasing number of cement factories threatens water resources and protected areas. Resistance against those in power has a long tradition, since this region is home to the oldest social movement in the country. Thomas Kruchem met up with some of the modern leaders of this movement for this in-depth documentary.

A rare glimpse of life inside Libya, where chaos and violence reign since the government in Tripoli hasn't been able to establish stability // An increasing number of illegal migrants is arriving ashore the Greek island of Samos, putting the already overcrowded reception facilities as well as local people under increasing pressure//

As today's fast-paced world spins faster and faster, the pressure is taking a toll on people's mental health. In South Korea, societal expectations have pressured employees into coming along to office outings they'd rather not take part in. Young Nigerian women have been forced into prostitution after being promised lucrative jobs in Europe.

As the UN's climate change conference COP 25 wraps up in Madrid, we take a look at how cities are dealing with the impact of climate change. How are African megacities adapting to the climate crisis? Air pollution has a tight grip on Serbia's capital Belgrade. And the Italian city of Venice is dealing with the aftermath of the worst flooding in decades.

We visit two very different parts of the world where mining is raising big concerns among local communities: In Australia, protesters are calling for an end to the country's heavy reliance on coal mining as the Great Barrier Reef suffers the effects of warming, while in Chile, residents are raising the alarm over the environmental impact of lithium mining.

+ Bitter lives and little hope: meeting sugarcane workers and their families in Guatemala +/ how a woman is making the best of living with HIV in a rural community in southern Africa.

Topics: How internet access is changing rural lives in Tanzania// Egypt's new capital might not solve all the problems // Running out of space: Graves are becoming more expensive than real estate in China // Not just for the money - why expats like working in the Gulf countries

Protecting the world's languages // Scots Gaelic in decline // The last valley of Aranese speakers in the Pyrenees // The heritage of ancient Babylon

In Alabama in the Untited States, the legal battle about abortion rights continues. The strictest abortion law in the USA banning abortions even in cases of incest of rape was set to take effect this month. But a preliminary injuction, temporarily blocking Alabama from enforcing the law, was issued by a federal judge last week. This report looks at what's at stake for women

Women's activists in one of Colombia's most violent cities are starting to make a difference ++ Militant Rohyinga group continues activities in Bangladesh ++ What's changed for LGBTQ people in India, where since last year, homosexuality is not criminalized any more.

We jump on board a health train that's bringing key medical services to remote parts of South Africa, and hear about a new screening test that could revolutionize the diagnosis of dyslexia. Plus, the Mexican coding boot camp giving returnees a fresh start.

How wheat Farmers and scientists in Canada are dealing with changing climate ++ IFPRI director talks about future food policies ++ Cricket farming changes livelihoods in Western Kenya 

Tanzania's President John Magufuli has turned pregnant teenagers into enemies of the state, claiming that allowing young mothers back to school would spell disaster for the country. Little is being done to tackle the root causes of these unwanted pregnancies: Rape, poverty and lack of sex education. Linda Staude went to investigate and her in-depth feature is presented by Natalie Muller.

Afghanistan went to the polls amid Taliban attacks — the dire security situation and political instability has left many people without any hope. And the US embargo on Venezuela takes a toll on people who can't even get the medicine they need.