Midwives in Chiapas, Mexico's poorest state, represent the front line in a nationwide battle to improve the lives of women. They are helping to reduce domestic violence and improve education, while also working hard to maintain a maternal mortality rate of close to zero.

Cervical cancer kills more than half a million women worldwide every year, and is the leading cause of female cancer deaths in the developing world. New low-tech screening programs have begun to reduce cancer deaths but campaigners like Sarah Nyombi, a politician in Uganda, want to see more.

Since 2001, all Indian primary schools have provided pupils with a free midday meal. Since then, truancy rates have been slashed and child health is soaring. Western governments are beginning to take note.

Brenda is a health care worker in South Africa who is educating young women about sexual and reproductive health, particularly the dangers of illegal abortions. But she faces many challenges, including corrupt doctors and powerful cultural taboos.

Kids in developing countries need vaccines, but will the world's wealthy financial markets really help to deliver them? A deal brokered by former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has so far raised nearly $2 billion for just that purpose. It's called the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm), and author Aminatta Forna wants to know how it works.