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.