Ghanaian nurse wins $250,000 global award
Forty-eight-year-old Oncology Nurse Specialist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, has won this year’s Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award of $250,000.
Mrs Oti, Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, was rewarded for her transformative impact on cancer care across Africa.
One of ten finalists out of the 100,000 nominees submitted across 199 countries, she, together with the other nine finalists, was also presented with a plaque of participation.
The award came off at a grand ceremony in Dubai yesterday.
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award recognises exceptional nurses who have demonstrated exemplary commitment and leadership in advancing health care.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs Oti said: “My passion for oncology nursing was born out of a desire to bridge this gap and deliver compassionate, high-quality care to those who need it most.
This award affirms that dream and empowers me to do even more. It is more than recognition.
“It is a catalyst for lasting change. I am committed to using it to amplify the voice of African nurses, expand access to cancer care, and build a legacy of leadership and excellence in oncology nursing across our continent. This award, as said, is not mine alone,” she emphasised.
The initiative, she said, empowered nurses globally, and “I am grateful for the platform it has given me to further my mission in oncology nursing, as I reflect on the prize.
I am committed to completing the African Cancer Nurses Competences Framework, launching a cancer genetic counselling programme, establishing an educational scholarship fund and creating the African Leadership Academy for Cancer Nurses.
This initiative will build capacity, strengthen systems and ensure that quality cancer care is a right, not a privilege.
She dedicated the award first to God, adding that “it belongs to every patient I have served, every nurse I have mentored, every colleague whom I have joined in this vision of equity in cancer care”.
Appreciation
She extended her heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Ghana, especially “the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, for creating an enabling environment for healthcare professionals and also, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the entire staff of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the Director and Staff of the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre and the Global Nursing and Midwifery Fraternity, the President of the entire membership of Ghana Nurses and Midwifery Association, the Guyana Diaspora Nurses Association for their leadership and advocacy, the Church of Pentecost, the leadership, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, and the executives and members for their spiritual support and prayers.
“My mentors, my colleagues whose guidance has shaped my professional growth, my parents, siblings, and in-laws for nurturing and standing by me, my husband who is here with me today, and our three wonderful children.
Your love and sacrifice give me strength.
The entire Nursing and Midwifery Fraternity in Ghana and abroad, your dedication inspires me daily,” she added.
“This is not just my victory, it is a recognition of the resilience, compassion and leadership of nurses across Ghana, Africa and the world,” she said.
Recounting how her journey as a nurse started, she said: “Over two decades ago, I began my nursing journey with a simple mission to ease pain, bring hope and work alongside those battling cancer.
In sub-Saharan Africa, I have witnessed firsthand the inequities in cancer care, especially in the resource-poor communities, but I have also seen the immense potential of nurses to lead transformative change.
WHO Director-General
The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, earlier congratulated the finalists and acknowledged Aster DM Healthcare's efforts in recognising the crucial role nurses played. He said the award was a way to celebrate nurses' passion and commitment to improving lives globally.
In a televised message, he commended the finalists and acknowledged Aster DM Healthcare's efforts in underscoring the importance of nurses.
He praised their essential role in health care, expressing gratitude for their critical contributions.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus's message emphasised the significance of nurses in the healthcare system, recognising their dedication and selflessness.
Honouring Mrs Oti, the Minister of Tolerance of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, said: “The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award stands 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 defence 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.
The founder and chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, Dr Azad Moopen, also said: “Nurse 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.”
The Managing Director and Group CEO, Aster DM Healthcare, Alisha Moopen, stated: “Naomi Ohene Oti’s story is a powerful reminder of the quiet heroism that unfolds every day in hospitals, clinics and communities across the world.
We are incredibly proud to shine a global spotlight on her work, and through her, honour the millions of nurses who keep healthcare systems running and humanity thriving.”
Other finalists
The other finalists for the 2025 award were Catherine 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; and Vibhaben Gunvantbhai Salaliya, India.
Writer’s email:rebecca.quaicoe-duho@graphic.com.gh
