Ghana's Naomi Ohene Oti wins 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award in Dubai
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
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Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Al Etihad
My award is a tribute to all nurses, says Ghanaian nurse who won Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award
29 May 2025 12:49 A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, the Ghanaian nurse who recently won the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, said the honour she received in Dubai was not just a personal milestone, but a tribute to the unseen heroes of healthcare systems in Ghana, across Africa, and the wider an interview with Aletihad, Naomi said: 'I am deeply emotional and really humbled to receive the award from the hands of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE's Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.'A specialist in oncology nursing, Naomi heads the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. She has been instrumental in transforming patient care and spearheading specialist nurse training across Ghana. Notably, she helped launch the country's postgraduate oncology nursing curriculum in 2015, which has since produced over 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care influence extends across Africa. Naomi serves on the education and training committee of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), co-leads initiatives with the ISNCC, and is a co-investigator on the Global Bridges Oncology GM Grant. As a global faculty member of ASCO's Multidisciplinary Cancer Management Courses, she represents African nursing voices in international forums and has mentored more than 48 nurses from across the continent. Her work has earned her several honours, including Ghana's Ministry of Health Excellence Award and the Dr Dorcia Kisseh International from over 100,000 applicants from 199 countries, Naomi was honoured with a $250,000 cash prize as part of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, which was launched by Aster DM Healthcare in 2021 to recognise outstanding contributions by nurses in fields such as leadership, innovation, research, and community on her field, Naomi said cancer care demands a more comprehensive and empathetic approach than general nursing. 'You have got to be more knowledgeable. You should know physical, psychological and emotional needs of the patient. As you get to know more of the biology of the disease, you become dexterous in caring for the patients,' she who has seen many a patient in her long cancer care career, is known to be a champion of equity in cancer care. What does equity in cancer care mean? She says it means accessibility and affordability. 'Any person who has cancer should be able to have access to the required treatment and be able to afford them,' she said, adding equity also means health workers should be equipped with the right skills needed to care for the COVID-19 pandemic, Naomi led the development of a telemedicine initiative to reduce hospital visits and protect vulnerable patients. 'Only when cancer patients had to do chemo were they asked to head to the labs straight without having to go through the regular physical assessment from nurses and doctors,' she said. Symptom management was handled remotely via phone and WhatsApp. Though a few nurses succumbed to the virus, she said the government offered critical support and ensured the supply of protective also expressed interest in exploring the UAE's healthcare system firsthand. 'From everything I have read and heard, hospitals here are equipped with state-of-the-art technology,' she asked about her plans for Ghana, the award-winning nurse said that not only Ghana but Africa should stand tall when it comes to the competencies of nurses. 'We have plans for harmonising standards for nursing training in Africa. We want African nurses to be on par with their Western counterparts. They should be equipped with the same skill sets so they can give the same type of care.' 'Nurses, who constitute the majority of the workforce, should have a seat at the decision-making table,' she said. 'They should be part of the leadership teams in the healthcare sector so they can give their inputs for policymaking.'
Web Release
4 days ago
- Web Release
Ghana's Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti wins Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025 worth USD 250,000
Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti from Ghana has been named the winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, selected from 100,000 applications from 199 countries. An Oncology Nurse Specialist and Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, she was recognised with USD 250,000 at a prestigious ceremony held in Dubai, UAE. The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was launched in 2021 to recognize the invaluable role of nurses in healthcare. The award was presented by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, UAE in presence of Dr Azad Moopen and Alisha Moopen. During this year's ceremony, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, shared a special message applauding Aster's effort in putting a spotlight on the contributions of nurses worldwide. Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti said, 'For over two decades, I've 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.' Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chaiman, Aster DM Healthcare stated, '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. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO, Aster DM Healthcare added, '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.'
Zawya
4 days ago
- Zawya
Nurse Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti from Ghana wins Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025 worth USD 250,000
Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti from Ghana wins USD 250,000 at the award ceremony in Dubai, UAE selected from over 100,000 applications from nurses from 199 countries. His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, UAE, presented the trophy to the winner. Nurse Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti from Ghana, an Oncology Nurse Specialist&Head of Nursing, National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has been announced as the winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, receiving the prestigious USD 250,000 prize at a grand ceremony held in Dubai, UAE. The award was presented by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, UAE in the presence of Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare ( alongside Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO – Aster DM Healthcare, T.J. Wilson, Executive Director and Group Head – Governance&Corporate Affairs, Aster DM Healthcare, and other distinguished guests. Launched in 2021 by Aster DM Healthcare, Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award aims to recognize and celebrate 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. His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, UAE said, 'The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award stands as a distinguished platform that honors 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. In the United Arab Emirates, we view the nursing profession with deep pride and gratitude, recognizing the tireless efforts and dedication of those who serve in this essential field. The late founding father of our nation, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan—may his soul rest in peace—envisioned a healthcare system built on the foundation of human dignity, where every healthcare worker is valued and supported. Today, this vision continues under the wise and inspiring leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who firmly believes that investing in healthcare professionals is an investment in the nation's future and the well-being of all people. On this occasion, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, as well as to all the outstanding finalists. Each of them represents a beacon of compassion, resilience, and service to humanity. Their recognition is a testament to the profound impact nurses have on individuals and communities across the globe. We reaffirm the UAE's unwavering commitment to elevating the status of the nursing profession worldwide and honoring those who protect lives and care for others with devotion and dignity. This award reflects the spirit of tolerance, solidarity, and human fraternity that lies at the core of our national values.' Commenting on the win, Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti said, 'To be honoured with the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award is deeply humbling. 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 from Ghana is an Oncology Nurse Specialist&Head of Nursing, National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital – where she has 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 honors, 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, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare 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. Each of the Top 10 finalists have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, skill, and compassion in their work. These nurses are not just healthcare providers, but true leaders, pushing boundaries and making a profound impact in their communities. Their exceptional contributions deserve to be recognized, and through this award, we celebrate their passion and commitment to improving lives across the globe.' Ms. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director&Group CEO, Aster DM Healthcare said, '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.' The rest of the 9 finalists, Catherine (Kate) Maree Holliday from Switzerland, Edith Namba from Papua New Guinea, Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho from UAE, Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre from Hong Kong SAR, Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga from USA, Khadija Mohamed Juma from Kenya, Maheswari Jaganathan from Malaysia, Dr. Sukhpal Kaur from India, and Vibhaben Gunvantbhai Salaliya from India were also recognized for their contribution to nursing. These nurses were selected through a stringent review process run by Ernst&Young LLP, a panel of Screening-Jury and the Grand Jury. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aster DM Healthcare. For more information about us, please contact: Lavanya Mandal Head of PR and Internal Communications Aster DM Healthcare Tel: +971 528126577 Email: Udhayan Sasidharan Nair Manager - PR&Communications Aster DM Healthcare Tel: + 971 508850520 Email: About Aster DM Healthcare FZC in GCC: Founded in 1987 by Dr. Azad Moopen, Aster DM Healthcare is a leading integrated healthcare provider, with a strong presence across 5 countries in the GCC and Jordan. Aster is committed to the vision of providing accessible and high-quality healthcare, from primary to quaternary services, with its promise of 'We will treat you well'. The organisation's robust integrated healthcare model includes 15 hospitals, 122 clinics, and 313 pharmacies in GCC serving all segments of society through three differentiated brands: Aster, Medcare and Access. Aster consistently adapts to meet the evolving needs of patients, ensuring access to quality healthcare through both physical and digital channels which is exemplified with the launch of the region's first healthcare super app, myAster. About Aster DM Healthcare Limited, India: Aster DM Healthcare Limited is one of the largest healthcare service providers operating in India with a strong presence across primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary healthcare through 19 hospitals with 5,128 beds, 13 clinics, 203 pharmacies (Operated by Alfaone Retail Pharmacies Private Limited under brand license from Aster), and 254 labs and patient experience centers across 5 states in India, delivering a simple yet strong promise to different stakeholders: 'We'll Treat You Well.'
