The Global Story

<p>As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, all this week The Global Story is exploring the surprising and often hidden ways the US has shaped the modern world.</p><p>Today we’re joined by Roman Mars – the host of 99% Invisible and the new BBC series A History of the United States in 100 Objects – who sets out his theory of how the US used design to shape the world in its image.</p><p>Producer: Sam Chantarasak</p><p>Executive producer: James Shield</p><p>Mix: Travis Evans</p><p>Digital producer: Matt Pintus</p><p>Senior news editor: China Collins</p><p>Image: An illustration of a US city rising high above the world’s surface. Credit: BBC</p>

<p>As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, The Global Story is launching a landmark series exploring the surprising and often hidden ways the United States has shaped the modern world.</p>

<p>For two decades, PEPFAR, the US program to curb AIDS/HIV, enjoyed support and financial backing from both Republicans and Democrats, saving an estimated 26 million lives in what is described as the largest ever commitment by any nation to address a single disease.</p><p>Previous presidents - including Donald Trump in his first term - continued to praise and support the effort. But last week, the State Department announced that it would be ending its support for PEPFAR in South Africa. The UN has warned the decision could end up costing lives. </p><p>US officials told the BBC that the funding cut was in part a response to South Africa's alleged failure to protect the white-minority Afrikaner community, an accusation Pretoria rejects.</p><p>Asma speaks to the BBC’s Senior Africa Producer Ed Habershon about what drove this decision and what the impact could be. </p><p>Producers: Cat Farnsworth, Valerio Esposito and Aron Keller</p><p>Executive producer: Bridget Harney</p><p>Sound engineer: Travis Evans</p><p>Digital producer: Richard Kenny</p><p>Senior news editor: China Collins</p><p>Photo: Bottles of antiretroviral ARV drugs used to prevent HIV. Credit: Thomas Mukoya/Reuters</p>

<p>The United States has been a staunch ally of Israel for decades, and Americans used to be steadfast in their support for the country. But in recent years - and recent weeks - the special relationship between the two counties has come under fire.</p><p>Several polls indicate that Americans have increasingly negative views of Israel and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. And as the midterms approach, support for Israel is on the ballot in some races. </p><p>Asma briefs Tristan on shifting US public and political opinion on Israel. And Jon Donnison discusses how fluctuating US sentiment on Israel is affecting domestic Israeli politics. </p><p>(Photo: President Donald Trump (R) gestures with an extended index finger at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) as they stand face to face in front of an Israeli flag. Credit: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)</p>

<p>Growing concerns over young people using anti-aging products, have prompted industry regulators in Italy to investigate claims that some brands are using young influencers to promote skincare products to other children. </p><p>Investigators say that the practice is linked to the broader issue of ‘cosmeticorexia’ - a new term coined by some healthcare professionals to describe an obsession with skincare. </p><p>Asma speaks to the BBC’s health and wellbeing reporter Ruth Clegg, about how harmful skincare is for the social media generation.</p><p>Producer: Sam Chantarasak</p><p>Sound engineer: Travis Evans</p><p>Digital producer: Tom Bage</p><p>Senior news editor: China Collins</p><p>(Photo: Young content creator Ellie-May. Credit: Sophie/BBC)</p>