A Malaysian non-governmental organisation and an American reproductive health pioneer on Friday won this year's United Nations Population Award.

The Federation of Reproductive Health Associations of Malaysia (FRHAM), established in 1958, has been educating Malaysian in family planning and responsible parenthood.

The UN population agency said reproductive health expert Adrienne Germain has been recognised as one of pioneers who in the 1970s linked fertility and population policies with the health status of women.

In 1987, she developed the concept of reproductive health, which was widely accepted by the UN.

The UN agency annually gives out the population prizes to recognise individuals or institutions for outstanding work in the field and improving the health of individuals.

Selection of winners is done by an independent committee of population and health experts.

The awards will be presented in June at a ceremony at the UN in New York.

- dpa