Dubai: Top 10 finalists revealed for Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025 worth $250,000

Dubai: Dubai-headquartered Aster DM Healthcare on Monday announced the top 10 finalists for the fourth edition of Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award – a prestigious global recognition with $250,000 prize money, that honours the exceptional contributions of nurses worldwide.

The 10 finalists were selected from a record-breaking pool of 100,000+ registrations across 199 countries, through a stringent evaluation process led by expert jury and Grand jury panels members, the organisers said.

The top 10 finalists for 2025 includes Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho from Mediclinic City Hospital in the UAE.

The rest of the finalists are: Catherine Maree Holliday (Centre for Community-Driven Response, Switzerland), Edith Namba (Mount Hagen Provincial Hospital, Papua New Guinea), Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR), Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga (Insight Global Health, USA), Khadija Mohamed Juma (Tudor Subcounty Hospital, Kenya), Maheswari Jaganathan (Cancer Research Malaysia), Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti (Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana), Dr. Sukhpal Kaur (PGIMER, India), Vibhaben Gunvantbhai Salaliya (Hospital for Mental Health, India). More details about the top 10 finalists are available on the website of the award.

Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said: “The Top 10 finalists have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, skill, and compassion in their work – selected from over 100,000 registrations that were received for the 4th edition of Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award.  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 recognized, and through this award, we celebrate their passion and commitment to improving lives across the globe."

The fourth edition of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award will not only present the grand prize of USD 250,000 to the winner, but also honour the other nine finalists with recognition and rewards.

The final stage will involve public voting and interviews with distinguished members of the Grand Jury, with the winner set to be announced at a gala event in Dubai, on May 26.

The final round will feature interviews with distinguished members of the Grand Jury, including: Prof Sheila Tlou, Co-Chairperson of the Global HIV Prevention Coalition and Special Ambassador of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, Botswana; Prof James Buchan, Adjunct Professor at the WHO Collaborating Centre, University of Technology, Sydney, and Editor Emeritus of the Human Resources for Health Journal; Dr Peter Carter, OBE Awardee and Independent Healthcare Consultant, Former CEO of Central and Northwest London NHS and Former CEO of the Royal College of Nursing, UK; Dr Niti Pall, President-Elect at the International Diabetes Federation, Senior Consultant at AXA EssentiAll, France, and Board Chair of Harbr and Managing Director of Health4all Advisory, UK; and Vishal Bali, Executive Chairman of Asia Healthcare Holdings, Senior Advisor at TPG Growth, and General Council Member of the Neonates Foundation of India.

The entire process is independently moderated by the appointed "Process Advisors" Ernst & Young LLP.

Catherine Holliday (Switzerland) – Founded of Centre for Community-Driven Response and developed the PEEK (Personal Experience, Expectations, and Knowledge) protocol, creating one of the largest patient experience data repositories; pioneered nurse-led telehealth models improving access in underserved areas.

Edith Namba (Papua New Guinea) – Veteran nurse leader advancing care in rural areas; led gender-based violence response and public health initiatives during crises.

Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho (UAE) – Nurse educator who enhanced training and safety standards in the Middle East; founded a Life Support Training Centre and CME programmes.

Dr Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre (Hong Kong SAR) – Gerontology expert shaping global ageing policy; led WHO projects and developed an interdisciplinary Master’s programme in ageing and wellbeing.

Dr Jose Arnold Tariga (USA) – Former UAE resident who created a model for integrating internationally educated nurses into US systems; led education reform and rapid upskilling during COVID-19.

Khadija Mohamed Juma (Kenya) – Innovator behind RedSplash, a tech platform transforming blood donation in Kenya; mobilised thousands and saved tens of thousands of lives.

Maheswari Jaganathan (Malaysia) – Led Malaysia’s Patient Navigation Programme, improving breast cancer outcomes and equity; aims to launch a regional Navigation Academy.

Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti (Ghana) – Oncology nurse leader who helped establish Ghana’s formal cancer nursing programme; mentored African nurses and influenced continental policies.

Dr Sukhpal Kaur (India) – Pioneered evidence-based nursing for vulnerable populations in India; led innovations in mobile health, home care, and nurse-led clinics.

Vibha Salaliya (India) – Mental health nurse who scaled the Peer Support Volunteer model, empowering patients and reducing institutionalisation across Gujarat.