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"Today is World AIDS Day and I am humbled to be present in Africa where the pandemic of HIV/AIDS is a deadly reality for millions of people," he said in a statement. "We need to increase public awareness campaigns throughout the world on this issue."

The hip-hop mogul has been branching out internationally in his philanthropic/entrepreneurial efforts. On November 26, he began a 9-day fact finding mission that has taken him to the countries of South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique. The goal is to observe the continent's diamond industry and how one of his businesses, Simmons Jewelry Company, can help to empower lives of the African people and communities where the diamonds are a natural resource.

"We support the efforts of the numerous humanitarian and health groups, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations, that are diligently dedicated in their response to this great human crisis," he continued. "We add our voice and work in complete solidarity with all who are standing up and taking action on this day."

On December 5th, Simmons will return to the States for a press conference at New York City's Mandarin Oriental Hotel at 2 p.m. There, along with ex-wife Kimora Lee Simmons, Scott Rauch (both co-owners of Simmons Jewelry Company) and Dr. Benjamin Chavis (co-chairman of Simmons' Hip-Hop Summit Action Network), Simmons will "announce major historic initiatives pertaining to Africa and the diamond industry."

The goal is to stop the exploitation of African people who for decades have sacrificed their own lives and the lives of family members, many of them children, to work in the mines, without truly benefiting financially.

"Ultimately, however, we believe that the eradication of HIV/AIDS will happen when much more is done to effectively end poverty in Africa and throughout the world," Simmons concluded. "The best way to end poverty is through sustainable economic development and empowerment."

VIDEO: Footage of the Simmons Jewelry Company fact-finding delegation to South Africa and Botswana

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