Terms of Reference for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Media Awards 2023

1. Introduction

The Rwanda NGOs Forum on HIV/AIDS and Health Promotion is pleased to announce the first-ever Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Media Awards 2023 open for entries. These awards aim to recognize and appreciate the significant role that media professionals play in raising awareness, educating the community and advocating for the NTDs in Rwanda. The following Terms of Reference (ToRs) outline the objectives, criteria, and guidelines for the NTDs and WASH Media Awards in Rwanda.

Submissions will be accepted from Wednesday 15^th to Tuesday 28^th November, 2023 at 5:00pm.

2. Background

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of infectious diseases that primarily affect populations living in poverty in tropical and subtropical regions. These diseases include a wide range of conditions such as soil-transmitted helminths (commonly known as intestinal worms), schistosomiasis (commonly known as bilharzia) snake bite envenoming, dog bites/rabies, etc. NTDs disproportionately affect people in low-income countries, including Rwanda. These diseases are called neglected because they have historically received less attention and funding compared to other diseases.

However, the Rwandan government, in partnership with several international organisations such as WHO, the END FUND, Merck KGaA, WFP and others has implemented various strategies to combat NTDs in the country including in the rural and remote areas. These strategies include, improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives, health education, and improved access to healthcare. As a result, the prevalence of some NTDs has decreased significantly in recent years.

Despite progress in the control of some NTDs, much work remains to be done. In Rwanda, it is estimated that over five million people are still affected by these diseases, and addressing NTDs is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Ongoing efforts to control and eliminate NTDs in Rwanda should focus on improving access to prevention and treatment, strengthening health systems and addressing the underlying social and economic determinants of NTDs.

Against this background, media outlets play a crucial role in spreading awareness about these illnesses, educating the communities that are most affected by them, and calling for greater investment in NTD prevention and treatment. It is therefore important to recognize, award, and encourage media outlets that contribute to the promotion of health through their coverage of NTDs.

3. Objectives

3.1. General objective

The general objective of these awards is to recognize and celebrate the outstanding work of journalists who have made significant contributions to raising awareness about neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), especially Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) issues in the country. The award also aims to inspire and motivate other journalists to continue their efforts in promoting informed and responsible journalism in health promotion.

3.2. Specific objectives

The primary objectives of the NTDs Media Awards in Rwanda are as follows:

1. Recognize and reward journalists for exceptional coverage of NTDs and WASH issues in Rwanda
2. Encourage increased media coverage of NTDs and WASH concerns in underserved rural areas of the country
3. Foster responsible journalism by promoting accurate reporting on health-related matters, particularly NTDs and WASH
4. Facilitate partnerships among media outlets, CSOs, NGOs, and government agencies to effectively address NTDs and WASH challenges in Rwanda
5. Contribute to improving public health in Rwanda by emphasizing the significance of NTDs and WASH-related concerns through media awareness campaigns

4. Award Categories

Awards will be given to reporters/journalists for their outstanding contributions to NTDs and WASH awareness and advocacy through media in the following categories:

• Radio
• TV/Online
• Online newspapers
• Social media and other digital communication platforms X (former twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook...)
• Print

5. Eligibility Criteria
   1. This entry is open for journalists, media professionals, and content creators working in Rwanda
   2. The submitted work must have been published or broadcast between January 2022- 31 October 2023
   3. Entries should focus on NTDs and WASH issues in Rwanda, highlighting their impact and the need for people affected
   4. Entries may be submitted by individuals or Media houses, and each entrant may submit up to two pieces of work
   5. The submissions may be in English, French, or Kinyarwanda
   6. Reporters/journalists must present copies of their media house identification cards

       6. Submission Process

Kindly submit a letter expressing your interest, along with hyperlinks or scanned copies of your articles, to the email address info@rwandangoforum.rw, and Cc rwandangoforumrw@.gmail.com no later than Tuesday 28^th November 2023 at 5:00pm . Each submission must be complemented by a portrait and a concise biography of the journalist or content creator, delineating professional accomplishments and dedicated efforts in the realm of NTDs and WASH awareness and advocacy.

7. Evaluation Process

An independent panel of judges, including experts in NTDs, WASH, and media, will evaluate the entries. Entries will be assessed based on criteria, such as accuracy, creativity in awareness and advocacy for NTDs and WASH. The judging process will be transparent and impartial, whereas a report for every qualified entry will be filed.

8. Awards Ceremony

The award ceremony will take place on December 21, 2023 at Grand Legacy Hotel, Kigali. Winners will be presented with certificates and trophies in their respective categories. A special recognition award will be presented to individual journalists/Media houses for their outstanding contributions to NTDs and WASH awareness and advocacy through media publications.

9. Timeline/Important dates

10. Contact Information

For inquiries and submissions, please contact Louis Ngabonzima, Director of Programs, at email l.ngabonzima@rwandangoforum.rw or telephone +250782347211.

Approved on 15^th November 2023

BY:

KABANYANA Nooliet

Executive Secretary

Rwanda NGOs Forum on HIV/AIDS and Health Promotion

(RNGOF on HIV/AIDS & HP)