DUBAI, UAE — Naomi Ohene Oti, an Oncology Nurse Specialist from Ghana, has been named the 2025 winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, beating out 100,000 applicants from 199 countries. The recognition comes with a USD 250,000 prize, awarded during a prestigious ceremony in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Naomi, who serves as the Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, was honoured for her pioneering work in addressing cancer care inequities across Africa.
“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,” she said in her acceptance speech. “This award will help amplify our impact — scaling training, building faculty, and inspiring the next generation of oncology nurses across Africa.”
The award was presented by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, with Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, and Alisha Moopen, Group CEO, also in attendance. A special message from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, further endorsed the ceremony and its mission to elevate the role of nurses globally.
A Tribute to Nursing Leadership
Launched in 2021, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award recognizes the extraordinary contributions of nurses around the world. Naomi’s selection highlights the growing global recognition of nurses not just as caregivers, but as leaders, educators, and innovators in healthcare.
“Naomi Ohene Oti has redefined what it means to be a nurse — not just as a caregiver but as an innovator, leader, and changemaker,” said Dr. Moopen. “Her contributions uplift not only patients but the entire healthcare ecosystem.”
Alisha Moopen added, “Naomi’s story is a powerful reminder of the quiet heroism that unfolds every day in hospitals, clinics, and communities. We are proud to shine a global spotlight on her and, through her, honour the millions of nurses who keep healthcare systems running and humanity thriving.”
Naomi’s win is expected to energize efforts to strengthen cancer care across underserved regions, particularly in Africa, where disparities in oncology resources and training remain a critical challenge.
