Sponsored: The 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award goes to Ghana’s Naomi Ohene Oti…

Nurse Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti from Ghana has just won the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, taking home the USD 250,000 prize at a grand ceremony held in Dubai on May 26 – and the recognition is huge. The oncology nurse specialist and head of nursing at Ghana’s National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre was chosen from more than 100,000 applicants from 199 countries.

The award was presented by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, in the presence of Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, alongside Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO, T.J. Wilson, Executive Director and Group Head – Governance & Corporate Affairs, and other esteemed dignitaries.

What the award is all about

A cornerstone of Aster DM Healthcare’s commitment to honouring the global nursing community, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was launched in 2021 to recognize the exceptional contributions of nurses in leadership, innovation, research, and community service. Now in its fourth edition, the award has rapidly grown in global significance, with 2025 marking a 28% increase in applications compared to the previous year.

Why Naomi stood out

With over 20 years in oncology care, Naomi has transformed cancer nursing in Ghana. She’s led the development of the country’s oncology nursing curriculum, trained more than 60 oncology specialists, and launched partnerships with global institutions including Canada’s Cross Cancer Institute.

She also plays a major role in shaping cancer care training across Africa, mentoring nurses, advising organisations, and speaking at international forums.

A moment that matters

In her speech, Naomi dedicated the award to nurses across Ghana, Africa, and beyond. “This recognition is not mine alone,” she said. “It belongs to every nurse who leads with resilience, compassion, and courage.”

More than one winner

The ceremony also recognised nine other finalists from around the world, including nurses from Switzerland, the UAE, Papua New Guinea, India, Kenya, and the US.

For more on the award and its finalists, visit asterguardians.com and @asterguardians.

Images: Supplied