Evolution is important, it’s all about growth, improvement, and adapting to changing circumstances. It’s a good thing, and can come in many forms. On today’s Reasons to be Cheerful, the clearest sign of evolution is the apparent evolution of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) into something less deadly and less infectious. For those of us who remember the early public information films about the dangers of HIV and Aids, as well as the tragic loss of so many lives, famously including Rock Hudson and Freddie Mercury. While the cures spoken of have not come to fruition, the fight continues and this is definitely positive news.

However, fights for sexual health and evolution aren’t restricted to the research lab. The human element and education can be just as, if not more, important. By far my favourite story of today is from Pakistan, where Health TV are providing a Call In TV Show on sex and sexual health. I’m a massive fan of education over restriction, and the sex eduction debate is still raging here in the West, which is ironic when you consider the barrage subliminal of sexual content which is a part of modern daily life. By comparison, in a country boasting an incredibly conservative culture, where religiously motivated violence can be a daily fear, this show is providing an invaluable and discrete service. So here’s a HUGE CHEER! for the guys over at Health TV and the people calling in. 😀

My other favourite has to be Stephanie Roche. Now, it was touch and go about this story making it in, but as a supporter of sports that don’t get reported enough the fact that a female international has been short-listed for FIFA’s goal of the year is great to see.

That’s all for now, have a great day and enjoy the good news:

• Scientists create Enzymes using lab growth Genes
• HIV Evolving into Milder Form
• Phone-In Show helping Pakistan break taboos on Sexual Health
• Shared Parental leave becomes law
• Royal Mail Universal Service not Under Threat
• Recipients of £2.3bn for Flood Defences Announced
• Largest ever Mass Wedding in Brazil to help low income couples
• Rare insects found in Powys nature reserve
• Amy Hughes completes 53 Marathons in 53 Days for Charity
• Stephanie Roche short listed for FIFA Goal of the Year