• The Award Programme was jointly presented by the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) and its Official Strategic Partner, Yayasan Sime Darby.
• Winners were selected across three categories: print, broadcast and web-based.
• Winners bring home a cash prize of RM 5,000, a Trophy and a Certificate of Excellence.
• At the same event, Yayasan Sime Darby renewed its commitment to MAF by awarding the Phase 4 Grant for strengthening the national HIV/AIDS advocacy worth RM 1.5 million.
Kuala Lumpur, 15 August 2023. Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) and its Official
Strategic Partner, Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), today hosted the prestigious Red
Ribbon Media Award to members of Malaysian media for their outstanding journalistic
works on HIV and AIDS. It was presided over by Datuk Dr. Nohayati Rusli, the Deputy
Director-General of Health (Public Health), who represented the Ministry of Health,
YB. Dr. Zaliha Mustafa.
First held in 1996, the Red Ribbon Media Awards are returning this year to
commemorate MAF’s 30th anniversary and celebrate the long-term and strategic and
meaningful partnerships with a multitude of media outlets and practitioners in the fight
to end AIDS.
During the event, the Deputy Director-General of Health, Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli,
presented the awards in Print, Broadcast, and Web-based media categories. The
winners were selected based on their skill in conveying accurate information about
HIV/AIDS, their efforts to challenge stigma related to HIV/AIDS, their use of sensitive
and inclusive language, and the originality and creativity demonstrated in their
journalistic pieces. Each winner received a cash prize of RM 5,000, a Certificate of
Excellence, and a custom-made trophy.
In her speech at the event, Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli described the pivotal role of media
in creating an enabling environment for HIV/AIDS works to take place.
“In an era where information travels swiftly and widely, the media serves as a bridge
between the experts, policymakers, healthcare providers, and the general public. By
delivering well-researched and factual content, the media can dispel myths,
misconceptions, and stigmas surrounding HIV/AIDS. Accurate reporting and
compelling storytelling can break down barriers to understanding and create empathy,
fostering an environment of compassion and acceptance.” She added.
MAF Chairman, Professor Dato Dr Adeeba, pointed out that stigma and discrimination
continue to hinder the well-being of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and marginalised
populations. These barriers obstruct access to treatment, prevention, and care
services.
“ We call upon our media partners to fulfil their roles in spreading awareness about
HIV/AIDS and cultivating a positive public perception. Globally, the media have
demonstrated their capacity as a weapon against HIV/AIDS for over two decades.
Education, as often noted, serves as the vaccine against HIV.” Remarked Dato’ Dr
Adeeba.
Further in her speech, Dato’ Dr Adeeba also request support from the Media to spread
awareness about the concept of “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U) to the public.
“U=U refers to the scientific understanding that an HIV-positive person who
consistently maintains an undetectable viral load through proper medical treatment
cannot transmit the virus to others through sexual contact. U = U underscores the
importance of early treatment initiation to improve health outcomes and mitigate
transmission risks in society.” Concluded Dato’ Dr Adeeba.
In her address, the Governing Council Member of YSD, Puan Sri Normah Hashim
remarked that the impact of journalism in the fight against HIV/AIDS resonates beyond
accolades and urged all stakeholders to remain steadfast in the commitment to
providing access to treatment and prevention, as well as eradicating the stigma that
still surrounds the disease.
“The impact of everyone’s work resonates within individuals whose lives are
transformed through ethical journalism towards increased awareness and
understanding. The important work of all media practitioners has and will continue to
bring us closer to the goal of eradicating the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. We
must persist to strive for a future where HIV/AIDS is no longer a threat to society.”
The Red Ribbon Media Award was fully sponsored by YSD, as part of their ongoing
commitment to strengthen the national advocacy for HIV/AIDS and to recognize and
celebrate the significant media partnerships that have played a crucial role in
educating the public and combating stigma and discrimination against the People
Living with HIV community.
To cap off the event, Puan Sri Normah Hashim presented a cheque of RM 1.5 million
to Dato’ Dr Adeeba, witnessed by Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli. This marked the Phase 4
Extension of the Leadership in HIV/AIDS Advocacy Grant.
Yayasan Sime Darby has contributed over RM 10 million to the Malaysian AIDS
Foundation so far. This support has been directed towards a wide range of HIV/AIDS
initiatives, including treatment, advocacy, education, and prevention efforts for key
affected populations. Yayasan Sime Darby also holds the distinction of being the
largest corporate donor in Malaysia dedicated to the HIV/AIDS cause.
