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Nurse Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, from Ghana, has been named the winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025.
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award shines a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of nurses globally, and 2025 was a particularly historic year. Nurse Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, an oncology nurse specialist and the Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre in Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, was awarded the prestigious $250,000 prize during a grand ceremony in Dubai. Her recognition is a testament to her unwavering commitment to advancing cancer care in Ghana.
The award presentation took place in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, alongside officials from Aster DM Healthcare. Established in 2021, this award aims to honor exceptional nurses, and this year set a remarkable record with over 100,000 applicants from 199 countries, highlighting the global representation and diversity in nursing excellence.
Nurse Naomi’s career has been marked by decades of service in oncology. Her pioneering work has not only advanced cancer treatment in Ghana but also significantly improved the training and development of nursing professionals in her country. She has designed and implemented oncology nursing programs, directly contributing to the expertise of dozens of specialists dedicated to this vital area of health care. Her advocacy for equitable access to cancer treatment across Africa reflects her relentless commitment to social justice and the well-being of her patients.
During her emotional acceptance speech, Nurse Naomi dedicated her award to nurses everywhere, emphasizing the vital role they play in fostering “a force for social justice, equity, and hope.” She passionately called for continued investments in nurse training and outreach programs, underscoring the urgent need to improve cancer outcomes continent-wide. Her message resonated in a time where health equity and access to quality care are more critical than ever.
The ceremony was further enriched by a special message from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). He commended both Naomi and Aster DM Healthcare for highlighting the essential roles that nurses serve in global health. His words reinforced the idea that amidst challenges, the dedication of nurses can lead transformative changes in health systems, especially during health crises.
Nurse Naomi was not alone in her recognition; the event celebrated nine other finalists who exhibited exceptional service in nursing. Each finalist, including Catherine Maree Holliday from Switzerland, Edith Namba from Papua New Guinea, and Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho from the UAE, represented a diverse array of backgrounds and specializations. Their contributions were carefully evaluated through rigorous selection criteria established by Ernst & Young LLP, involving both a screening jury and a grand jury, ensuring that the most deserving candidates were honored.
From training community health workers to advocating for policies that support equitable healthcare access, these nurses epitomize the qualities of resilience, compassion, and dedication. Their collective efforts symbolize a growing recognition of the importance of nursing in addressing global health challenges.
