LONDON, 11 December 2008 - The M?A?C AIDS Fund (MAF) and its songstress spokesperson Fergie today dedicated more than ?300,000 to fight stigma and shame associated with HIV and AIDS in the UK, where new diagnoses of the disease have nearly tripled over the past 10 years. The announcement follows a 2007 survey from the organization that revealed Britons rank stigma and shame as the number one issue contributing to the spread of HIV and a pledge earlier this year from MAF to fund programs against the issue. "Stereotype and prejudice are limiting progress against HIV and AIDS as much today as 25-plus years ago, when the disease first emerged, which is incredibly sad," said Fergie, who represents M?A?C Cosmetics' VIVA GLAM campaign and the six lipstick shades and three lip glasses that exclusively fund the work of MAF in 69 countries. "Combating stigma and the spread of HIV has a lot to do with raising awareness. As a musician, I'm able to reach a wider audience about issues close to my heart, and through the M?A?C VIVA GLAM campaign, I've been able to get this message across to people around the world."