Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti from Ghana Wins Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025
Dubai, 26 May 2025 – Nurse Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, an esteemed Oncology Nurse Specialist and Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana, has been named the recipient of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025. The honor, accompanied by a USD 250,000 prize, was presented during a prestigious ceremony held in Dubai, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to oncology nursing and healthcare equity.
The award ceremony was attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, alongside Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare; Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare; T.J. Wilson, Executive Director and Group Head of Governance & Corporate Affairs; and other distinguished guests.
The fourth edition of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award drew an unprecedented 100,000 applications from nurses representing 199 countries – a 28% increase from the prior year – reflecting the growing importance and recognition of nursing on the global stage. The annual initiative, launched in 2021 by Aster DM Healthcare, aims to honor nurses for exceptional service in fields such as leadership, innovation, research, and community impact.
A special message from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, added gravitas to the event, as he congratulated the finalists and commended the commitment of Aster DM Healthcare in recognizing the critical role nurses play across healthcare systems worldwide.
“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 defense 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,” Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said.
He continued, “We reaffirm the UAE’s unwavering commitment to elevating the status of the nursing profession worldwide and honoring 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.”
In her acceptance speech, Naomi Ohene Oti 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… 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.”
Naomi’s transformative leadership in nursing in Ghana has played a critical role in expanding cancer care and capacity building. She was instrumental in developing Ghana’s postgraduate oncology nursing curriculum and initiating training in partnership with institutions such as the Cross Cancer Institute in Canada. Under her guidance, more than 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses have been trained, vastly improving specialized cancer care across the country.
Her reach extends beyond Ghana through her engagements with major organizations including the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC), and ASCO. She co-leads international collaborations aimed at integrating evidence-based training and shaping cancer nursing policy throughout Africa. Naomi has also mentored over 48 nurses across the continent and continues to advocate globally for culturally sensitive cancer care.
Dr. Azad Moopen stated, “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.”
Complementing these sentiments, Ms. Alisha Moopen added, “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 remaining nine finalists, also recognized for their outstanding contributions to the nursing profession, include:
- Catherine (Kate) Maree Holliday – Switzerland
- Edith Namba – Papua New Guinea
- Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho – UAE
- Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre – Hong Kong SAR
- Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga – USA
- Khadija Mohamed Juma – Kenya
- Maheswari Jaganathan – Malaysia
- Dr. Sukhpal Kaur – India
- Vibhaben Gunvantbhai Salaliya – India
These finalists were selected via a rigorous evaluation process conducted by Ernst & Young LLP, in collaboration with screening and grand juries composed of medical and academic experts.
Now in its fourth year, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award continues to be a vital platform celebrating the indispensable role of nurses in advancing global health, fostering innovation, and advocating for underserved communities.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
