Pfizer Mental Health Journalism Awards for 2014/15 open for entry

Focus on mental health

Brian Daniel, CEO and country manager of Pfizer South Africa's Biopharmaceutical Division says, "This is the fourth year the company supports this important initiative. The over-riding objective of the Pfizer Mental Health Journalism Fellowship Awards is to continue to place a firm focus on mental health awareness and education for patients. Mental health is a growing national concern and in our small way, by partnering with SADAG, we're able to make a well-intentioned contribution to the plight of mental health sufferers across South Africa.

"Our 2013/14 awardees had 20 articles published in major newspapers and 37 interviews on radio in South Africa, with the title of Pfizer Mental Health Journalism Awardee going a long way to opening doors.

"This year, once again, we will not only be offering two print journalists (including online) a stipend of R25,000 per person but a further R25,000 to an electronic print journalist from the fields of television and radio."

Timely projects

A panel, consisting of top names in South African media and mental health professionals, will judge entries.

"Journalists are not required to leave their employment during their award year and are encouraged to choose timely projects that will educate the public and raise awareness about important mental health concerns. We will need samples of the work that has already been done on mental health," he concludes.

Entries should be sent to Meryl Da Costa, SADAG, P O Box 650301 Benmore 2010.

For more information contact: Marion Scher - 0824676046