DOHA • Al Jazeera will broadcast a series of seven special reports entitled, 'Africa Uncovered' from today at 1230 GMT. The series will take a look at the life of people across one of the most diverse continents on Earth. Following people in countries all over Africa, Al Jazeera will bring their stories, struggles and hopes to life for its viewers around the world.

The series begins with a look at the plight of Albinos in Tanzania, where many people believe that their body parts have magical powers and where more than 25 Albinos have been killed this year. After this, Al Jazeera focuses on South Africa, where the re-emergence of far right extremist politicians threatens to challenge the image of the rainbow nation.

The series then explores the issue of force-feeding in Mauritania, where big is beautiful, showing the government's efforts to combat the practice despite the increasing use of steroids by some urban women to increase their size. Next, Al Jazeera follows the founders of 'Slum TV', a start-up TV channel launched to build bridges between the different ethnic groups in Nairobi's slums. Al Jazeera asks, ‘have the underlying problems between the ethnic groups, exposed in the recent post-election violence, been addressed?'

From Kenya, Al Jazeera moves to Niger, providing an exclusive and unprecedented look at the Movement of Niger People for Justice, a Toareg group fighting for a greater share of resources in their native northern Niger. Al Jazeera then looks to central Africa, following successful businesswomen in Rwanda and showing how those who survived the country's genocide are now driving its record economic growth.

Al Jazeera concludes the series with a fascinating folklore practice in Madagascar — the evocation of the spirits of their descendents to ensure a good harvest, which sometimes involves digging up the remains of the deceased and speaking with them. Head of Current Affairs Mike Dillon said: "Al Jazeera is committed to bringing a fresh, nuanced take on Africa to its screen, showing its viewers around the world that the continent is more than war and famine. This series focuses on real human beings, putting the concerns of everyday Africans back at the centre of the news agenda.”

“We are confident that people will find the series enlightening, and hope that it underscores Al Jazeera's continued desire to put the issues and feelings of real people back on the global news agenda," he added