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Mark
Burnett, the executive producer of reality show Survivor:
Africa airing on AXN has partnered with the Elizabeth
Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. The aim is to bring to
people's notice the threat of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The
Foundation is working to prevent mother-to-child transmission
of HIV.
There will be fundraising activities that include the auction
of props from the show on eBay following the series finale
on Thursday, January 10 on CBS.
The CBS Television Network has incorporated the Foundation's
critical international work into an episode and has committed
to air PSA's created by Survivor/CBS for the Foundation
throughout the year during
primetime programming through CBS Cares. The spots
direct viewers to the Foundation's website www.pedaids.org.
The episode in question features a life-altering journey
for one lucky participant, Lex van den Berghe. He along
with host Jeff Probst take a cargo of medical supplies to
a hospital in the truck Lex won. Lex takes a much-needed
supply of HIV test kits and doses of the drug nevirapine.
The drug course reduces the transmission of HIV to the newborn
baby by almost 50%.
Mark Burnett said, "During the filming of Survivor: Africa,
I witnessed the extreme devastation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic
firsthand.
I was immediately compelled to take action on this crisis
and proceeded to discuss with my staff the best way in which
we could directly help the people most affected. I am proud
that Survivor: Africa has been able to raise awareness
of the Foundation's critical international efforts, and
am honored to join their Board of Directors."
President and CEO of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS
Foundation Kate Carr said, "More than 800,000 children continue
to become infected with HIV/AIDS each year. The visibility
that the Survivor partnership brings to the Foundation
through the airing of PSA's and the inclusion of our work
in an episode of Survivor: Africa is helping us to
spread the word about our work. Mark's talent, vision and
passion will be a huge asset to our board."
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