By Stephanie Mukandairo
In a moment that celebrated the profound impact of nursing on global healthcare, Ghanaian oncology specialist, Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti was crowned the winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, taking home the prestigious USD 250,000 prize at a grand ceremony in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The recognition is a testament to more than two decades of groundbreaking work in cancer care, during which Oti has transformed patient outcomes, pioneered specialist training programs, and championed healthcare equity across the African continent.
Her selection from an overwhelming pool of 100,000 applications from nurses across 199 countries marks a 28% increase in participation from the previous year, underscoring the growing global recognition of nursing excellence.
As an Oncology Nurse Specialist and Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at Ghana’s Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Oti has revolutionized how cancer care is taught and delivered in Africa.
The ripple effects of her work extend across continental borders. As a member of the education and training committee for the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) and co-investigator on the Global Bridges Oncology GM Grant, Oti has helped shape policies and competencies that influence cancer nursing practices throughout Africa.
Her mentorship has directly impacted 48 nurses from various African nations, creating a network of skilled professionals who carry her teachings into their healthcare systems. Through her role as a global faculty member with ASCO’s Multidisciplinary Cancer Management Courses, she ensures that African nursing perspectives are represented in international cancer forums, advocating for culturally relevant care approaches.
The award ceremony brought together healthcare leaders and government officials. UAE’s Tolerance and Coexistence Minister, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, presented the trophy to Oti, emphasizing the significance of her achievements.
“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,” Sheikh Nahyan stated during the ceremony. “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,” he added.
The Minister further emphasized the UAE’s commitment to healthcare professionals, referencing the vision of the nation’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who “envisioned a healthcare system built on the foundation of human dignity, where every healthcare worker is valued and supported.”
Oti’s most significant contribution lies in her revolutionary approach to oncology nursing education. Through strategic partnerships with international institutions, including Canada’s Cross Cancer Institute, she has brought world-class cancer education directly to local nurses in Ghana, dramatically improving patient outcomes across the region.
Her leadership proved instrumental in developing Ghana’s postgraduate oncology nursing curriculum in 2015, working alongside a team of experts to establish educational standards that would shape the country’s approach to specialized cancer care. Under her guidance, more than 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses have completed their training, substantially expanding specialized care services throughout Ghana.
In her acceptance speech, Oti emphasized the collective nature of her achievement. “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.”
Her vision for the future remains focused on expanding impact and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals. “This award will help amplify our impact – scaling training, building faculty, and inspiring the next generation of oncology nurses across Africa,” she said.
“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.”
The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, and Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, who “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.”
He noted that “Each of the Top 10 finalists has demonstrated extraordinary dedication, skill, and compassion in their work. These nurses are not just healthcare providers, but true leaders who push boundaries and make 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.”
Nine other exceptional finalists were recognized alongside Oti: Catherine (Kate) Maree Holliday from Switzerland, Edith Namba from Papua New Guinea, Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho from the UAE, Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre from Hong Kong SAR, Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga from the USA, Khadija Mohamed Juma from Kenya, Maheswari Jaganathan from Malaysia, Dr. Sukhpal Kaur from India, and Vibhaben Gunvantbhai Salaliya from India. The rigorous selection process, managed by Ernst & Young LLP in conjunction with specialized screening and grand jury panels, ensured that only the most exceptional candidates reached the final stages of consideration.
“Oti’s story is a powerful reminder of the quiet heroism that unfolds every day in hospitals, clinics, and communities worldwide. We are incredibly proud to shine a global spotlight on her work, and through her, honor the millions of nurses who keep healthcare systems running and humanity thriving,” the CEO added.
The ceremony received additional gravitas through a special 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 nursing contributions worldwide.
Oti’s career has been marked by consistent recognition of her exceptional contributions to the healthcare field. Her accolades include Ghana’s Ministry of Health Excellence Award and the prestigious Dr. Dorcia Kisseh International Award from the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, cementing her status as a leading figure in African healthcare.
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, launched in 2021 by Aster DM Healthcare, represents a comprehensive effort to recognize extraordinary nursing contributions across multiple domains, including leadership, research, innovation, and community service. This year’s competition attracted unprecedented participation, with the 100,000 applications representing healthcare professionals from virtually every corner of the globe.
