Aster Nursing Award 2025 winner announced in Dubai: Find out who won $250,000 grand prize

Dubai: Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, 48, an oncology nurse who has transformed patient care, pioneered specialist nurse training, and championed equity in cancer outcomes in Ghana, was crowned the winner of the $250,000 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025 in Dubai on Monday.

The mother-of-three, who beat 100,000 applicants from 199 countries, was honoured by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Sushmita Sen, former Miss Universe and acclaimed Indian actress known for her advocacy of women’s health and empowerment.

Dressed in an ethnic attire, Naomi said: “To be honoured with the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award is deeply humbling. This recognition is not mine alone – it belongs to every nurse across Ghana, Africa, and the world who leads with resilience, compassion, and courage. For over two decades, I have witnessed the inequities in cancer care firsthand and dedicated myself to closing these gaps through training, outreach, and system-level change. This award will help amplify our impact – scaling training, building faculty, and inspiring the next generation of oncology nurses across Africa.”

“At the heart of my journey is a simple truth: nursing is not just a profession – it is a force for social justice, equity, and hope. Today, I stand not just for myself, but for every African nurse who dares to innovate and serve, even against the odds.”

She said she would use the prize money for supporting several causes including the development of competency in cancer care among nurses in Africa, strandardising nursing education, setting up of an academy for nursing leadership and to provide scholarship fund for nurses.

“I will always advocate for nurses to be part of policy making and get them involved in the administrative plans,” she said, thanking her family, especially, her husband, colleagues, management and leaders for supporting her.

Naomi is an Oncology Nurse Specialist and Head of Nursing, National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana.

She has been instrumental in developing and launching oncology nursing training programs in partnership with international centres like the Cross Cancer Institute in Canada, bringing world-class cancer education to local nurses in Ghana and significantly improving patient outcomes.

In 2015, she was part of an expert team that developed the country’s postgraduate oncology nursing curriculum, and under her leadership, over 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses have been trained, greatly expanding specialised care services nationwide.

Her influence extends across the continent. She is a member of education and training committee for the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), and co-investigator on Global Bridges Oncology GM Grant. She has also co-led initiatives with ISNCC and shaped continental competencies and policies in cancer nursing, while mentoring more than 48 nurses from African nations. Through her role as a global faculty member with ASCO’s Multidisciplinary Cancer Management Courses, she brings African nursing perspectives to international cancer forums, advocating for culturally relevant care.

She has received numerous national honours, including Ghana’s Ministry of Health Excellence Award and the prestigious Dr. Dorcia Kisseh International Award from the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association.

Honouring the winner, Sheikh Nahyan said, “The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award stands as a distinguished platform that honours one of the noblest and most impactful professions in human history—nursing. Nurses are truly the first line of defence in any healthcare system. They provide care, comfort, and hope in the most critical moments and embody the highest ideals of humanity through their compassion and selfless service.

In the UAE, we view the nursing profession with deep pride and gratitude, recognising the tireless efforts and dedication of those who serve in this essential field.

He pointed out that the late founding father of the nation, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, envisioned a healthcare system built on the foundation of human dignity, where every healthcare worker is valued and supported.

“Today, this vision continues under the wise and inspiring leadership of the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who firmly believes that investing in healthcare professionals is an investment in the nation’s future and the well-being of all people,” Sheikh Nahyan said.

Congratulating the winner and the finalists, he added: “Each of them represents a beacon of compassion, resilience, and service to humanity. Their recognition is a testament to the profound impact nurses have on individuals and communities across the globe. We reaffirm the UAE’s unwavering commitment to elevating the status of the nursing profession worldwide and honouring those who protect lives and care for others with devotion and dignity. This award reflects the spirit of tolerance, solidarity, and human fraternity that lies at the core of our national values.”

Dr Azad Moopen, founder and chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, said: “Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti has redefined what it means to be a nurse – not just as a caregiver but as an innovator, leader, and changemaker. Her contributions uplift not only patients but the entire healthcare ecosystem, setting a gold standard for others to follow. Each of the top 10 finalists have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, skill, and compassion in their work. These nurses are not just healthcare providers, but true leaders, pushing boundaries and making a profound impact in their communities. Their exceptional contributions deserve to be recognised, and through this award, we celebrate their passion and commitment to improving lives across the globe.”

Alisha Moopen, managing director and group CEO, said: “Naomi Ohene Oti’s story is a powerful reminder of the quiet heroism that unfolds every day in hospitals, clinics, and communities across the world. We are incredibly proud to shine a global spotlight on her work, and through her, honour the millions of nurses who keep healthcare systems running and humanity thriving.”

The glittering award ceremony also honoured nine other finalists in the presence of Dr Azad Moopen and Alisha Moopen, TJ Wilson, executive director and group head – governance and corporate affairs, Aster DM Healthcare, Dr. Amin Hussain Al Amiri, assistant undersecretary of Health Regulations Sector, Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), Indian Ambassador the UAE Sunjay Sudhir and Consul General of India in Dubai Satish Kumar Sivan.

A special highlight of the ceremony was a message from Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation, who congratulated the finalists and commended Aster DM Healthcare’s commitment to championing the crucial contributions of nurses worldwide.

The rest of the nine finalists, Catherine (Kate) Maree Holliday from Switzerland, Edith Namba from Papua New Guinea, Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho from UAE, Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre from Hong Kong SAR, Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga from USA, Khadija Mohamed Juma from Kenya, Maheswari Jaganathan from Malaysia, Dr. Sukhpal Kaur from India, and Vibhaben Gunvantbhai Salaliya from India were also recognised for their contribution to nursing.

These nurses were selected through a stringent review process run by Ernst & Young LLP, a panel of Screening-Jury and the Grand Jury.

Launched in 2021 by Aster DM Healthcare, Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award aims to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of nurses across the world in various fields such as leadership, research, innovation and community service.