The awards recognise individual journalists as well as media organisations, HIV/AIDS activists and civil society groups that have contributed to improving the quality of discourse and action on the epidemic. They also honour journalists, activists and organisations that have helped to break the silence around HIV/AIDS in communities around the country as well as highlight the campaign against HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

28 people are honoured with the award in different five broad categories and award winners are announced at an awards ceremony.

Award categories are:

1. BROADCAST MEDIA CATEGORY
   

Radio

• Best News Reporting on HIV/AIDS
• Best Radio Feature on HIV/AIDS
• Best Radio Talk-Show or Call-In Programme on HIV/AIDS
• Best Radio Documentary or Series on HIV/AIDS
• Best Radio Spot on HIV/AIDS

Television

• Best Individual Reporting on HIV/AIDS
• Best TV Talk show on HIV/AIDS

General

• Best Reporting on Stigma & Discrimination
• Best Reporting on Gender, Reproductive Health andHIV/AIDS
2. PRINT MEDIA CATEGORY
   

Newspaper

• Best News Reporting on HIV/AIDS
• Best Feature Article on HIV/AIDS

Magazine

• Best Individual Reporting Effort

General

• Best Individual Cartoon Effort
• Outstanding Informed Commentary on HIV/AIDS
• Best Reporting on Stigma and Discrimination
• Best Reporting on Gender, Reproductive Health andHIV/AIDS
3. MIXED CATEGORY (Print and Broadcast)
• Best Reporting on Science of HIV/AIDS
• Best Reporting on Young People and HIV/AIDS
4. CORPORATE MEDIA COVERAGE
• Best Cartoon Coverage
• Outstanding Editorial Writing
• Best Media Coverage-Magazine
• Best Media Coverage-Newspaper
• Best Media Coverage-Radio
• Best Media Coverage-Television
5. SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS

Development Issues

HIV/AIDS

The Red Ribbon Awards is open to Nigerian journalists and organisations including freelancers working in Nigeria for media organisations that are Nigerian-owned or principally based in the country or published in Nigeria for Nigerians.

Award prizes include laptops and mini-discs for individual winners in the broadcast media category; Cash prizes up to the tune of N50, 000 for other winners. In the individual category; Specially-designed Red Ribbon plaques and certificates for every winner; In addition, winners are exposed to local and international travel opportunities to enhance their professional skills.