MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Red Ribbon Media Awards return to honour excellence in HIV/AIDS journalism

Organised by the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, the Awards are making a comeback after a six-year hiatus in conjunction with its 25th anniversary.

KUALA LUMPUR, 3 May 2018 – The Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) is proud to announce the 2018 edition of the Red Ribbon Media Awards presented to members of Malaysia media for outstanding journalism and creative content related to HIV and AIDS.

An acknowledgement of ethical, responsible, evidence-based, creative and inspired journalism, the Awards debuted in 1996 as one of the highlights of the then bi-annual fundraiser Red Ribbon Gala. Last held in 2012, they are returning this year to commemorate the 25th year of the establishment of the MAF.

“Despite remarkable successes in the response to the AIDS epidemic in Malaysia – most notably the 50 per cent reduction in new HIV infections over the past decade – stigma and discrimination remain a barrier for people living with HIV and key affected populations to access lifesaving prevention, treatment, care and support,” said Professor Dato’ Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Chairman of the MAF.

“The role of the media in challenging stigma, improving knowledge and shaping public opinion on HIV and AIDS, especially now as efforts to end AIDS by 2030 continue to gather pace, cannot be overstated.”

The Red Ribbon Media Awards recognise excellence in the following three categories: Outstanding Achievement in Print Media, Outstanding Achievement in Broadcast Media and Outstanding Achievement in Web-based Media.

Winner of each category will be determined by a panel of esteemed judges based on the ability to convey clear and accurate information on HIV and AIDS; effort to constructively address or challenge stigma; considered use of sensitive, appropriate and inclusive language; as well as originality and creativity in execution.

Cash prize worth RM3,000, trophy and a certificate of excellence await each winner.

The MAF is calling all media practitioners based in Malaysia to submit their entries for relevant work published, broadcasted or performed during the eligibility period of January 2016 to December 2017.

For full details, logon to rrma18.maf.org.my. Entry forms can be downloaded here.

Deadline for submissions is 29 May 2018.

The Red Ribbon Media Awards 2018 is being made possible through a strategic partnership with the Malaysian Press Institute.

The Awards presentation ceremony will be held in late June, details of which will be announced in due course.

For further enquiries, contact the MAF via Zaki Arzmi at 016-2922948 or zaki@mac.org.my.