Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti from Ghana has won $250,000 at an award ceremony in Dubai by the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025.
The oncology nurse specialist and Head of Nursing, National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana was selected from over 100,000 applications from nurses from 199 countries.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, UAE, presented the trophy to the winner.
Launched in 2021 by Aster DM Healthcare, Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award recognises and celebrates the extraordinary contributions of nurses across the world in various fields such as leadership, research, innovation and community service.
The fourth edition of the award received an astounding participation with 100,000 application from nurses from 199 countries across the world – marking 28% growth in applications received in 2024.
A special highlight of the ceremony was a message from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, who congratulated the finalists and commended Aster DM Healthcare’s commitment to championing the crucial contributions of nurses worldwide.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, described the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 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” he said.
”In the United Arab Emirates, 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 added.
He said their recognition is a testament to the profound impact nurses have on individuals and communities across the globe.
Winning nurse Naomi Ohene Oti said the award to her is deeply humbling.
‘She added: ”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.”
Naomi Ohene Oti is said to have transformed patient care, pioneered specialist nurse training, and championed equity in cancer outcomes. 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 specialized 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.
Dr. Azad Moopen, chairman of Aster DM Healthcare said 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”.
She was among the top 10 finalists for the prestigious award.
WN/as/APA