Dorcas Wangira, a BBC Africa health correspondent, and Brooke Nicholl, a Senior research fellow at the University of Sydney, delve into urgent global health issues amidst significant USAID funding cuts. They discuss the grim implications for AIDS and polio programs in Africa, as well as the pressing need for sustainable health strategies. The duo also tackles the challenges of MPox in the Democratic Republic of Congo and highlights an innovative initiative empowering women's mental health in Guatemala through supportive community circles.

Anastasia Golubeva, a BBC Russian journalist, reveals the chilling intensification of anti-LGBTQ+ crackdowns in Russia, sharing harrowing personal accounts from activists facing police raids on gay clubs. Dorcas Wangira, BBC Africa's health correspondent, reflects on the pandemic's far-reaching effects in Africa, exploring economic struggles and psychological scars that persist post-COVID-19. Both guests provide insightful commentary on the resilience and challenges of marginalized communities amidst evolving societal landscapes.

Dorcas Wangira, Africa Health correspondent, and Dominic Hughes, BBC’s Global Health correspondent, delve into the alarming rise of mpox cases across Africa and beyond. They discuss the recent surge with over 17,000 cases and the risks posed by a new strain. The conversation highlights the significant challenges in vaccine access, particularly in fragile healthcare systems and the stigma surrounding the disease. They also address treatment difficulties and the emotional impact on those infected, emphasizing the urgent need for global awareness and response.

BBC's Africa Health Correspondent, Dorcas Wangira, discusses the challenges of maternal healthcare in Nigeria and Kenya, highlighting the causes of maternal deaths and prevention efforts. The podcast also features Isata Dumbuya, a midwife from Sierra Leone, sharing the success of reducing maternal mortality rates by 60% through improved healthcare initiatives.

BBC Africa health correspondent Dorcas Wangira discusses the projected increase in global life expectancy by 2050 and the importance of public health measures. They also cover topics such as evolving mosquito behavior in Kenya, advancements in childhood cancer treatment, and the high metabolic energy expenditure during pregnancy.