Salma Hayek, Pampers and UNICEF Launch New Campaign

When women put their hearts and minds together it can change the world. Have your doubts? You won't after you learn about the amazing philanthropic program that Pampers, UNICEF and the actress Salma Hayek have put their hearts and minds behind.

I was able to join and exclusive group on mommy bloggers at the launch of phase two of the "One Pack = One Vaccine" campaign. (To read a more personal, account check out my blog here). Bloggers and other press members gathered in Downtown Manhattan to learn more about the groundbreaking efforts to battle a insidious and deadly disease.

The disease in question is tetanus. Specifically Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT). The past year, Pampers has been funding life-saving vaccines to help protect pregnant women and women of childbearing age in developing countries against this deadly disease.

Many people think tetanus was relatively harmless. Wrong. According to UNICEF though it is easily preventable, each year MNT claims the lives of approximately 128,000 infants and up to 30,000 mothers- that's approximately one newborn death every four minutes. And before today many of us were in the dark about this issue.

About 16 months ago, Salma Hayek (humanitarian, actress, and new mom) joined the cause and lent her fame to the campaign. We're not talking mere photo ops. At the press conference, it was readily apparent that Ms. Hayek is more than a pretty face. She is a dedicated reformer.

Ms. Hayek went to the front lines of the war against MNT. She joined UNICEF on a mission in Sierra Leone to distribute vaccinations. (Globally, the Pampers "One Pack = One Vaccine" campaign has already provided funding for over 100 million tetanus vaccines). Seeing a video clip of the actress on her mission was inspiring. There were no stylists, directors or assistants, just a woman who cares deeply about her world.

In her prepared remarks, Salma shared the heartbreak and joy of her experience. "No mother should have to endure the loss of a child. No one should die of tetanus when prevention is so easy. With the purchase of specially marked packages of Pampers diapers and wipes, we can help make a difference in saving lives," says Ms. Hayek.

But it was when the group of blogging moms sat down with Ms. Hayek for a more intimate chat, that the message was really cemented. Ms. Hayek was asked how she managed to fit this campaign in her jam-packed schedule. Her answer in effect-how could she say no? As a mother she feels the loss of any child is simply unbearable.

The results are astounding. "Just a decade ago, MNT was a major public health problem in 58 countries, and since then 12 countries have eliminated the disease," said Caryl Stern, president and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. "We are grateful that Pampers has chosen to partner with us again and are thankful for the efforts of Salma Hayek and her dedication to this important cause."

In a time of financial crisis in out country, Pampers is offering an inspired opportunity for moms to give back to the community. In fact, it's as easy as picking up something most every mom needs...diapers. Look for the Pampers/Unicef logo and put your dollars to work. Simply by adding a specially packaged pack of diapers parents in North America can assist in the global fight against a deadly disease that cruelly strike women and infants in disproportionate numbers. For 2009, the goal is to raise enough funding for 30 million additional tetanus vaccines.