• Overall, the practice of female genital mutilation has been declining over the last three decades. In the 30 countries with nationally representative prevalence data, around 1 in 3 girls aged 15 to 19 today have undergone the practice versus 1 in 2 in the late-1980s. Unicef.
• There’s been a 48% drop in Rubella cases between 2012 and 2020 due to the rubella vaccine. WHO (PDF)
• In the two decades since Portugal decriminalized the personal possession of all drugs, new HIV infections, drug deaths, drug-related crimes, and the prison population all fell sharply. Transform.
• The number of euthanized dogs has hit record low, saving millions of lives. Time.
• In 2021, Indonesia rehabilitated 300,000 ha of peatlands, representing 25% of its four year target. Mongabay.
• In Australia, wind and solar provided five times more power than gas in 2021. Coal is down to 62.8% too. The Age.
• New minimum wage announced for South Africa. Business Tech.
• Federal internet program reaches 10 million households. Axios.
• Texas restaurant workers are eligible for free child care. Eater.
• MIT scientists create a super plastic that’s two times stronger than steel. Fast Company.
• A twist on stem cell transplants could help blood cancer patients. Wired.
• Immunity-boosting breast cancer drug could save thousands, finds UK research. The Guardian.
• Revolutionary ‘bionic’ pacemaker capable of reversing heart failure now set for human trials. Study Finds.

For more good news, check out The Progress Network, and Future Crunch.