Comic Relief and M∙A∙C AIDS Fund join forces to tackle HIV and AIDS together

19th June 2017

Monday 13th March: Comic Relief and the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund, the charitable arm of M∙A∙C Cosmetics, have formed an exciting new collaboration to tackle HIV and AIDS and raise awareness of its continuing impact. This three-year partnership will channel their joint passion and shared commitment to fund innovative approaches to fighting the epidemic.

Although globally, the number of new HIV cases is declining each year, and more people than ever are getting tested and accessing treatment, HIV and AIDS still present a major challenge. In 2015 there were still over 36 million people living with HIV, 70% of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa*. Here in the UK more than 100,000 people are currently estimated to be living with HIV, making it one of the fastest growing serious health conditions in this country.

This new collaboration, created with a £1m pledge from each partner, will provide grants to organisations working with some of the most vulnerable and marginalised communities across subSaharan Africa and the UK. Grants will focus on improving the quality of life of people living with HIV and AIDS, and funding innovative approaches to increase prevention, care and support, and access to treatment.

Gilly Green, Head of UK Grants at Comic Relief, said: “We are incredibly excited about joining forces with M∙A∙C AIDS Fund to maximise the impact of our HIV and AIDS funding. Comic Relief’s long history of funding and raising awareness of HIV and AIDS, coupled with the bold and innovative work of M∙A∙C AIDS Fund will undoubtedly make this a powerful partnership and we can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”

Nancy Mahon, Senior Vice President for Global Philanthropy and Corporate Citizenship at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and Global Executive Director of the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund, said: “In the fight against HIV and AIDS, M∙A∙C has always been a voice for those who need it most. We are thrilled to partner with Comic Relief because we know that together our resources will go further and our voice will grow louder. Together we can foster the innovation that is needed to win the war against HIV and AIDS.”

The partnership will be launching funding initiatives in Spring and further details will be available on www.comicrelief.com.

*UNAIDS, 2015

ENDS

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Red Nose Day Media Team:020 7820 2500media@comicrelief.com(opens in new window)Press area07984510473 (out of hours only)

About Comic Relief

Comic Relief is a UK charity which aim to create a just world, free from poverty – where everyone is safe, healthy, educated and empowered. Since 1985, Comic Relief has raised over £1 billion. That money has helped, and is helping, people living incredible tough lives, both here at home in the UK and across the world.

For information about Comic Relief and the work it carries out, please visit comicrelief.com.

Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland).

For the latest news, statements and exclusive content direct from the Comic Relief Press Office follow @ComicReliefNews(opens in new window).