Nurse Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti from Ghana – Winner of Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025 being awarded at the announcement ceremony . Photo courtesy
Ghanaian oncology nurse Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti has been awarded the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025. She received USD 250,000 at a ceremony held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
She was selected from over 100,000 applicants representing 199 countries.
“To be honoured with the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award is deeply humbling,” Oti said.
“This recognition is not mine alone – it belongs to every nurse across Ghana, Africa, and the world who leads with resilience, compassion, and courage.”
The Award
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was launched in 2021 by Aster DM Healthcare to honor exceptional nurses worldwide in fields such as leadership, research, innovation, and community service.
The 2025 edition saw a 28% increase in applications compared to 2024.
The award was presented by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, in a ceremony that celebrated the resilience and global contributions of nurses.
Oti’s Leadership in Cancer Care
Oti serves as the Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana.
She has spearheaded transformational efforts in cancer care, particularly through the development and implementation of oncology nursing training programs in collaboration with institutions such as the Cross Cancer Institute in Canada.
Under her leadership, over 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses have been trained.
In 2015, she was part of the expert team that developed Ghana’s postgraduate oncology nursing curriculum.
“For over two decades, I have witnessed the inequities in cancer care firsthand,” she said.
“I 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.”
Continental and Global Engagement
Oti’s contributions extend across Africa.
She is a member of the education and training committee for the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), a co-investigator on the Global Bridges Oncology GM Grant, and has co-led initiatives with ISNCC.
She also serves as global faculty with ASCO’s Multidisciplinary Cancer Management Courses, contributing to international forums and advocating for culturally relevant care.
Commendations from Aster DM Healthcare
Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO at Aster DM Healthcare, called Oti’s story “a powerful reminder of the quiet heroism that unfolds every day in hospitals, clinics, and communities across the world.”
“She 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,” she added.
International Recognition and Support
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, also congratulated the finalists and praised Aster DM Healthcare for elevating the nursing profession globally.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan stated, “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.”
He continued, “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.”
Honors and Legacy
Oti has received several national accolades, including Ghana’s Ministry of Health Excellence Award and the Dr. Dorcia Kisseh International Award from the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association.
Her mentorship has reached more than 48 nurses across African nations.
“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,” said Oti.
“Today, I stand not just for myself, but for every African nurse who dares to innovate and serve, even against the odds.”
Celebrating Global Nursing Excellence
The remaining nine finalists were also recognized for their contributions. They 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)
Finalists were selected through a rigorous evaluation process managed by Ernst & Young LLP, involving both a Screening Jury and a Grand Jury.
“Each of the Top 10 finalists has demonstrated extraordinary dedication, skill, and compassion in their work,” Dr. Moopen added.
“Through this award, we celebrate their passion and commitment to improving lives across the globe.”
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award continues to honor and uplift nurses, offering a global stage to highlight their critical role in healthcare systems and society at large.
