Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton recently brought good news to millions of women suffering from HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Last week she announced a public-private partnership with the M•A•C AIDS Fund to expand medical and emergency support services for survivors of rape and sexual assault in South Africa, a country estimated to have 3.3 million women and 330,000 children living with HIV/AIDS according to the 2010 UNAIDS report.


The M•A•C AIDS FUND was founded in 1994 with the mission to support people living with HIV and AIDS throughout the world, and commits 100 percent of the sale price of VIVA GLAM Lipstick and Lipglass to support HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and education. The company has partnered with several celebrities to support the cause including Eve, Lil Kim, Mary J. Blige, Nicki Minaj, and most recently Lady Gaga.

Clinton and the cosmetics company pledged the commitment of $2 million to diminish the AIDS epidemic in South Africa over the next two years through the launch of new TCC centers and the extension of operating hours at existing clinics. The TCC Network was launched by the South African governments with aide from the United States government to bring services, including HIV/AIDS testing, prevention, and treatment programs to women and children who are victims of sexual violence. The MAC Foundation will leverage $18.9 million that the U.S. government has committed to the program already.

To contribute to the cause, purchase MAC's VIVA glam products are donate directly to the fund.