(PRLEAP.COM) In recent years the problems of poverty, famine, and AIDS have continued to exacerbate one another in Malawi. Over 1 million of its 11 million inhabitants are HIV positive and of that, over half a million children have become infected or orphaned by AIDS. Red ribbons and red products help to raise awareness and funds to help fight the AIDS epidemic all over the world. Here in Arizona, one local Fair Trade jewelry designer has joined the cause and created an elegant, one-of-a-kind piece to help in the crusade. Attapinya designed the “Hope in Africa” bracelet to support the Partners in Malawi Organization, a southern California-based nonprofit that works to promote awareness of the epidemic through the efforts of Dr. Perry Jansen and the Partners in Hope Community Clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi. On November 5th, Attapinya will debut the piece at Phoenix Fashion Week during the opening night Celebrity Charity Fashion Show from which all proceeds will be donated in full to the Partners in Malawi organization.

"We are excited to participate in events like Phoenix Fashion Week because it helps to spread the word and explore future partnerships to create new sources of energy and resources to our work in Malawi. The message that I have to share at this point is not a depressing story of death and suffering. It is a story of hope and real opportunity to make a difference in the global AIDS epidemic," commented Dr. Perry Jansen.

The “Hope in Africa” bracelet is an 18K white gold vermeil chain with an 18K yellow gold vermeil toggle closure in the shape of the African continent, and an 18K yellow gold vermeil and garnet charm in the shape of the African symbol, Nyame Biribi Wo Soro, meaning “God is in the Heavens”. In Africa, this symbol is a reminder that God listens to all prayers for healing, strength, and peace. Retailed at $450 USD, the Hope in Africa bracelet can be purchased at www.attapinya.com and 25% of all sales will be donated to Partners in Malawi.

“Deeply inspired by the work of Dr. Perry Jansen [founder of the Partners in Malawi and Partners in Hope organizations], I created the Hope in Africa bracelet so that when it is worn, it will remind the wearer to pray for strength and hope for our sick friends on the other side of the world. It is a statement for those who never mistake the power of hope and prayer, “ said Aphinya Deley, chief designer and president of Attapinya.

About the Partners in Malawi and Partners in Hope Organization

The vision of Partners in Malawi and Partners in Hope (a Malawian nonprofit organization) is “to have a significant impact on the HIV/AIDS epidemic and in the lives of people infected and affected by HIV in a way which brings glory to GOD and demonstrates Christ’s love in word and deed.” Spearheaded by Dr. Perry Jansen, the southern California-based organization strives to meet the immediate physical and spiritual needs of all patients as well as develop skilled Malawian leaders in the fight against HIV/AIDS. For more information, please visit www.partnersinmalawi.org

About Attapinya

Since its inception in 2004, Aphinya Deley, chief designer and president, has transformed her love of nature and Yoga into a socially responsible line of Yoga jewelry and bags whose production enhances the lifestyle of not just the yogi consumer, but also the artisans themselves. An ardent supporter and member of the Fair Trade Federation, Attapinya adheres to eco-conscious business standards that benefit low-income artisans and laborers in developing countries in order to create economic self-sufficiency. For more information on Attapinya, please visit www.attapinya.com.