The Happy Pod: The simple plastic sheet saving lives

The Happy Pod: The simple plastic sheet saving lives

Author: BBC World Service May 30, 2026 Duration: 26:30

Researchers say a simple sheet of plastic is helping to prevent women dying after childbirth. The drape measures blood loss, which allows doctors to provide faster treatment. It's been successful in Nigeria, and now the health professionals want it used across the globe.

Plus, meet Joy and Diane who have been friends for 60 years. It all started with one letter when they were 12 years old and they have been pen pals ever since. Also, the fishing group helping people with breast cancer. The woman trying to save endangered Indian Skimmer water birds. The rare rainforest that is being restored in Northern Ireland over the next 100 years, and the homes in Australia which are being adapted to help people with ADHD.

Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world.

Presenter: Holly Gibbs. Music composed by Iona Hampson

Picture credit: Gates Foundation/Nelson Owoicho


Staying informed means navigating a constant stream of events, and the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service provides a grounded, thorough digest of that flow. This isn't just a headline service; it's a twice-daily briefing that situates you within the day's most pressing stories, particularly focusing on complex, unfolding situations. Right now, that means dedicated coverage from across the Middle East, including Iran, Israel, Lebanon, and the Gulf states, offering clarity on regional dynamics and their global implications. Alongside that essential regional focus, the podcast consistently pulls back for a wider lens, bringing reports and context from every corner of the world. What you'll hear is the BBC's signature blend of on-the-ground reporting and measured expert analysis, all designed to build understanding rather than just summarize events. For a reliable, in-depth audio briefing that updates each weekday morning and evening, this podcast delivers a comprehensive picture of our world as it happens.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Global News Podcast
Podcast Episodes
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Duration: 28:40
There has been international condemnation of Israel's treatment of pro-Palestinian activists who were on board a Gaza-bound aid flotilla intercepted by Israeli naval forces. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir pos…
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Duration: 29:47
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Duration: 25:38
America's top diplomat, Marco Rubio, has offered the Cuban people a "new relationship" in a video message marking the anniversary of Cuba's independence. He blamed the island's hardships on its communist leadership and n…
Xi greets Putin in Beijing - days after Trump's China visit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:05
China's leader Xi Jinping hosts a colourful welcome for visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. The two leaders have met dozens of times. Mr Putin arrived in China shortly after President Trump ended his tr…
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Duration: 29:49
Afghanistan is facing a dire lack of food exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis caused by dramatic aid cuts, the Taliban government’s policies and severe drought. Such is the desperation, Afghan fathers have spoken o…