Keypoints:
- Naomi Oti recognised for cancer care leadership
- Selected from 100,000+ nurses across 199 countries
- Winner to be announced in Dubai on May 26
GHANAIAN oncology nurse and educator Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti has been named one of ten global finalists for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, organisers announced on May 7. The award, which includes a grand prize of $250,000, honours outstanding contributions by nurses to healthcare and community service worldwide.
Oti, who serves as Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, was selected from more than 100,000 entries submitted by nurses from 199 countries—a 28 percent increase from the previous edition.
The top 10 were selected following a rigorous multi-phase review by an expert jury and the Grand Jury, with the entire process independently supervised by Ernst & Young LLP.
Transforming cancer care through nurse-led innovation
Oti is widely recognised for her leadership in cancer care, oncology nursing education, and policy development. She played a pivotal role in establishing Ghana’s first formal oncology nurse training programme, which has already graduated over 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses.
Her impact reaches beyond Ghana. She is an active member of the education and training committee of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) and serves as co-investigator on the Global Bridges Oncology GM Grant. Oti has mentored over 48 nurses across Africa, shaping regional competencies and strengthening nurse-led responses to cancer across the continent.
‘Naomi represents the extraordinary potential of nursing to lead change at a systems level,’ said Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare. ‘Our finalists this year have all shown what it means to serve with skill, compassion, and leadership.’
Global recognition set for May 26 in Dubai
The winner of the 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award will be announced at a gala ceremony in Dubai, UAE on May 26, following public voting and final interviews with members of the Grand Jury, including:
- Prof. Sheila Tlou, Global HIV Prevention Coalition, Botswana
- Prof. James Buchan, WHO Collaborating Centre, Australia
- Dr. Peter Carter, former CEO, Royal College of Nursing, UK
- Dr. Niti Pall, President-Elect, International Diabetes Federation
- Mr. Vishal Bali, Executive Chairman, Asia Healthcare Holdings
While only one nurse will receive the grand prize, the remaining nine finalists will also be honoured for their transformative work in healthcare innovation, education, and leadership.
A proud moment for African nursing
Oti is one of two African nurses shortlisted this year, alongside Khadija Mohamed Juma of Kenya, whose RedSplash app has revolutionised emergency blood donations. Their inclusion in the global top 10 underscores the growing influence of African nurse-led innovation in reshaping care delivery, especially in cancer treatment and public health.
The finalists also include nursing leaders from India, Malaysia, Switzerland, the USA, UAE, Papua New Guinea, and Hong Kong SAR—collectively redefining nursing’s role in policy, education, and health equity.
Now in its fourth edition, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award is an initiative by Aster DM Healthcare, a leading provider of integrated healthcare across the GCC, India, and Jordan. The award recognises exceptional nurses across five key domains: clinical excellence, leadership, research, education, and community service.
The programme aims to elevate the nursing profession on the world stage and foster cross-border knowledge-sharing and collaboration in healthcare delivery.
