Since April 7th, Salma Hayek has joined with Pampers and UNICEF to help save the lives of millions of African women and their children.

Through the “1 Pack = 1 Vaccine” program, which runs through August 31, 2008, Pampers will donate $.05 to UNICEF. This equals the amount it costs to purchase one Tetanus vaccine in Third World countries. Tetanus has a high fatality rate in Africa, where it can be contracted when a woman gives birth if dirty instruments are used.

As the spokesperson for the “1 Pack” initiative, Hayek says “I have long been a supporter of every child’s right to health and happiness. As a new mother, I’m thrilled to help Pampers and UNICEF … provide tetanus vaccines to those at risk.”

The goal for the U.S. program (the vaccine program began in the U.K. two years ago) is to get 45 million vaccines out to African women. Since the program began, funds for approximately 15 million vaccines have been collected, putting Hayek, Pampers and UNICEF one-third of the way to their goal.

For a complete list of products that qualify for the program, visit the Pampers website. They are also taking donations of diapers. For each donation, the diapers will go to a needy family in America, and UNICEF will receive another vaccine to help an African woman in need.

Photo courtesy of PR NewsFotos