Dubai: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, awarded Nurse Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti from Ghana the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025. Oti, an Oncology Nurse Specialist and Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, received a USD 250,000 prize during a ceremony in Dubai. The event was attended by 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 – Governance and Corporate Affairs, Aster DM Healthcare, and other distinguished guests.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was launched in 2021 by Aster DM Healthcare to recognize the extraordinary contributions of nurses worldwide in fields such as leadership, research, innovation, and community service. The fourth edition saw participation from 100,000 nurses across 199 countries, a 28% incre
ase in applications from the previous year.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, sent a congratulatory message to the finalists and praised Aster DM Healthcare for championing the vital role of nurses globally. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak highlighted the award as a platform honoring the nursing profession, viewed with pride and gratitude in the UAE. He emphasized the UAE’s commitment to elevating the nursing profession and congratulated the winner and finalists for their contributions to humanity.
Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti expressed her gratitude for the award, dedicating it to nurses across Ghana, Africa, and the world. She highlighted her efforts over two decades in addressing inequities in cancer care and her dedication to system-level change. Oti’s work includes developing oncology nursing training programs in partnership with international centers, significantly improving patient outcomes in Ghana. She is also involved in various initiatives across Africa, mentor
ing nurses and advocating for culturally relevant care.
Dr. Azad Moopen praised Oti for redefining nursing as a profession of innovation and leadership. He recognized the exceptional dedication of all finalists, whose work has made a profound impact in their communities. Alisha Moopen highlighted the heroism of nurses like Oti, underscoring their vital role in healthcare systems worldwide.
The other nine finalists, including nurses from Switzerland, Papua New Guinea, UAE, Hong Kong SAR, USA, Kenya, Malaysia, and India, were also acknowledged for their contributions to nursing. The finalists were selected through a rigorous review process conducted by Ernst and Young LLP, along with a panel of judges.