Today, 1^st December, is not just ‘pinch and a punch day’, nor just the first day of summer (for us Aussies), nor is it just the beginning of the Christmas count down…1st of December is World Aids Day.  Yup, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Defiecency Syndrome) is sadly still here, and is the leading cause of death and disease among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) worldwide.

“At the end of 2010, an estimated 34 million people [31.6 million–35.2 million] were living with HIV worldwide, up 17% from 2001. This reflects the continued large number of new HIV infections and a significant expansion of access to antiretroviral therapy, which has helped reduce AIDS-related deaths, especially in more recent years” UNAIDS World Aids Day Report 2011

In 2010, 206 Queenslanders were diagnosed with HIV infection.  Alarmingly, this is the highest number of HIV notifications reported since 1984.  An estimated 1,893 Queenslanders are living with HIV/AIDS.

This is such a huge world crisis, that is really hard as an individual to know how to help, that is other than to support the organisations who are working so hard in this space.

One way that you can help, and contribute to the cause is to buy a lipstick – yup that is right – buy a M.A.C VIVA GLAM Lipstick.  In 1994 cosmetics brand M.A.C started a charity program called the M.A.C Aids Fund, in a grass roots effort to make a difference in the world with a community outreach for HIV / AIDS.  Their goal is to address the link between poverty and HIV/AIDS and support a range of global HIV / AIDS organisations with funding.  100% of the sales from their VIVA GLAM lipstick range goes directly to supporting men, women and children affected by HIV / AIDS.

To date the MAC Aids Fund has raised $202 million USD, now that is a LOT of lipsticks!

So go and buy yourself an early socially kind Christmas Gift and visit this link to see what your lipstick purchase translates to, and the difference ONE lipstick can make…