Author: BBC World Service

Egypt once had the highest rate of hepatitis C in the world, but has now almost completely wiped out the liver attacking virus in less than 10 years. How did they do that?

Could the African mealworm be a solution to tackling plastic waste? Kenyan researchers say the larvae of the darkling beetle species native to Africa can digest plastic in their guts and degrade styrofoam, one the most harmful materials to the environment.

Also in the podcast, how Nigerian pet owners are having to make heartbreaking decisions about their animal companions as the high cost of living continues to squeeze finances.

Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Stefania Okereke, Aimie Liebovitz and Bella Hassan in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Technical Producer: Philip Bull Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Ivory Coast has confirmed, French troops stationed in the region for decades, will begin withdrawing from Ivorian soil this month. This marks another shift in the growing trend across West Africa, where France is seeing a reduction in their military presence.  An analyst explains the genesis of this resentment.

Also, French President Emmanuel Macron was recently heckled during his visit to cyclone-hit Mayotte.  What's France's relationship with Mayotte?

And will the rights of the Kua people in Botswana, also known as Bushmen, be better under new President Boko Duma's government ?

Presenter: Audrey Brown Producer: Sunita Nahar in London Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

During his first term as US president, Donald Trump had a very limited engagement with Africa, so what will his return to the White House mean for the continent? We hear from a political analyst on the potential opportunities and perils for US-Africa relations.

Did you know that drowning is one of the leading causes of death globally for children and young people under 30? Podcast host Audrey Brown has a conversation with the World Health Organization about how they are helping countries, including in Africa, to devise effective drowning prevention strategies, and she makes a new year resolution that she is determined to keep.

Also in this episode, we meet the remarkable 25-year-old Malawian, Tusaiwe Munkhondya, who through her foundations, has fostered dozens of children and provided help and support to vulnerable people across Malawi.

Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya in London and Susan Gachuhi in Nairobi Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

South Africa has become a key player in the International drugs trade, that's according to the global crime index. The country has a growing domestic market and now shares trade connections with South America, Europe, Hong Kong and Australia. We'll hear from South African journalist and author Caryn Dolley who has written about how deeply entrenched South Africa is in the international narco scene

Also, why are there so few legal protections for whistleblowers?

And advice on pension funds and why we need to start thinking about it!

Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Nick Randell Producers: Rob Wilson and Bella Hassan in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

More than 80 people have been abducted over recent weeks in Kenya, sparking a rise in public anger and more protests on the streets. But why are the kidnappings happening and who is being targeted? We talk to our reporter in Nairobi who has been following events.

Also in this episode, we hear about the journeys of African migrants from West Africa to the Canary Islands, the painful realities that push them away from home, and the dangers that come with crossing the Atlantic ocean.

And we hear from Cape Verde on how the country has managed to transform its agricultural sector after years of a severe drought left it struggling to survive. Could Cape Verde be a model for other African countries?

Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Victor Sylver and Bella Hassan in London. Susan Gachuhi in Nairobi Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Technical Producer: Philip Bull Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

We meet the family who kept their shop open on Christmas Day to help locals feel less lonely. Also, the parents creating visual memories for their children and the restaurant where most of the staff have Down's Syndrome.