- Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti from Ghana and Khadija Mohamed Juma from Kenya selected among top 10 finalists from over 100,000 global entries across 199 countries
- Winner to be announced at a grand ceremony in Dubai on May 26, 2025, and awarded USD 250,000
- Finalists were selected following a rigorous evaluation process, led by an esteemed panel comprising expert and grand jurors, and independently moderated by the appointed Process Advisors, Ernst&Young LLP.
- Public voting is now open until May 19, 2025. Support your favorite finalist by casting your vote at: https://apo-opa.co/44vBEWR
Two inspiring nurses from Africa – Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti of Ghana and Khadija Mohamed Juma of Kenya – have been named among the top 10 finalists for the prestigious Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, which honors exceptional nurses from around the world for their remarkable service and leadership in healthcare. Chosen from over 100,000 nominations across 199 countries, these two outstanding women exemplify innovation, compassion, and impact in nursing. The winner, to be announced at a grand ceremony in Dubai on May 26, 2025, will receive a cash prize of USD 250,000.
With a career spanning more than 23 years, Naomi has transformed cancer care and education across Ghana and Africa. Based at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana’s foremost cancer treatment center, where she serves as an Oncology Nurse Specialist and Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, she has pioneered specialist training programs in oncology nursing, collaborated with global institutions like the Cross Cancer Institute (Canada), and mentored over 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses across the country. Naomi’s pioneering leadership helped develop Ghana’s first postgraduate oncology nursing curriculum in 2015, and her mentorship of over 48 nurses across Africa reflects her broader vision to redefine oncology care standards for the continent.
Naomi’s impact goes beyond borders. She is an influential member of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), co-investigator on the Global Bridges Oncology GM Grant, and a global faculty member with ASCO’s Multidisciplinary Cancer Management Courses. Her contributions to research, training, and policy development have redefined oncology nursing competencies continent-wide. Her accolades include the Ministry of Health Excellence Award and the Dr. Dorcia Kisseh International Award—a testament to her dedication to equity, education, and leadership in cancer care.
In Kenya, Khadija Mohamed Juma is making waves through her work as a nurse at Tudor Subcounty Hospital in Mombasa and as the founder of RedSplash, a tech-enabled blood donation platform. At just 29 years old, she is revolutionizing blood donation in Kenya using a Smart Donor Search algorithm to connect donors to patients in real time.
She has led over 500 donation drives, collected more than 25,000 units of blood, and helped save an estimated 75,000 lives. Her work began as a personal mission following the tragic death of a friend’s mother due to delayed transfusions. In response, Khadija founded RedSplash—mobilizing schools, mosques, and communities while breaking myths and promoting voluntary donation. Her model, dubbed “Deliver blood faster than pizza,” challenges the black-market system and aims to build Kenya’s first RedSplash Blood Bank and mobile units in the near future.
Recognized by BBC, DW, and Citizen TV, and celebrated as a Commonwealth Youth Awards Africa finalist, Khadija is not only a healthcare innovator but a rising voice for equity, youth leadership, and gender inclusion in health.
Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said, “The selection of Naomi and Khadija among the top 10 finalists for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award is a celebration of Africa’s nursing excellence. Their stories demonstrate extraordinary courage, innovation, and commitment to community health—whether it’s transforming cancer care or revolutionizing blood donation systems. These nurses are redefining leadership in healthcare, and through this award, we hope to shine a global spotlight on their exceptional work that continues to save and transform lives.”
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, now in its fourth edition, is among the world’s most coveted recognitions for nurses. The 2025 finalists were shortlisted by an independent process advised by Ernst&Young LLP (EY) and evaluated by an international Grand Jury and Expert Panel. The gala award ceremony will be held in Dubai, UAE on May 26, 2025.
As part of the final selection process, the public is invited to participate in voting for their favorite finalist. The voting period is now open and will continue until May 19, 2025. To cast your vote and show support for these remarkable nurses, please visit https://apo-opa.co/44vBEWR
The top 10 finalists for 2025 includes: Catherine Maree Holliday (Centre for Community-Driven Response, Switzerland), Edith Namba (Mount Hagen Provincial Hospital, Papua New Guinea), Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho (Mediclinic City Hospital, UAE), Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR), Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga (Insight Global Health, USA), Khadija Mohamed Juma (Tudor Subcounty Hospital, Kenya), Maheswari Jaganathan (Cancer Research Malaysia), Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti (Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana), Dr. Sukhpal Kaur (PGIMER, India), Vibhaben Gunvantbhai Salaliya (Hospital for Mental Health, India). To know more about the top 10 finalists, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/3GOSExm
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aster DM Healthcare.
Annexure / Editor’s Note –
The top 10 finalists for 2025 include:
Top of Form
Catherine Holliday, Centre for Community-Driven Response, Switzerland: Catherine Holliday founded the Centre for Community-Driven Response (CCDR) to embed patient experience as a core pillar of health policy, alongside clinical and economic evidence. Through the creation of the PEEK (Personal Experience, Expectations, and Knowledge) protocol, she has built one of the world’s largest repositories of patient experience data – over 2,000 interviews shaping strategies across countries and ensuring patients become active hosts in their own care. Catherine also pioneered the Pathways Specialist Nurse Service, a nurse-led Telehealth model delivering triage, assessment, and education to underserved, crisis-affected, and remote communities. Her model redefined Telehealth in nursing, expanding access for people with disabilities, mental health conditions, and chronic diseases in low-resource settings. Catherine was named one of the WHO’s 100 Outstanding Women Nurses and Midwife Leaders (2020), received the Australian Health Minister’s Award for Nursing Trailblazers (2022), and was honored with the President’s Award for Legacy Contribution by the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (2024).
Edith Namba, Mount Hagen Provincial Hospital, Papua New Guinea: Edith Namba is a courageous nursing leader whose 27-year journey has been instrumental in advancing patient care, spearheading public health initiatives, and specializing in gender-based violence response programs. Triggered by the urgent needs she witnessed during cholera outbreaks and gender-based violence crisis, Edith has led systemic change – pioneering emergency care for survivors, playing a crucial role in piloting Family Support Centres in rural areas, and training health workers to provide holistic care. Edith has also received recognition from CIMC for her work of volunteerism in the fight against of Gender based Violence in Papua New Guinea. Her initiatives have reduced preventable harm, advanced gender equity, and redefined what it means to lead in healthcare – not from behind a desk, but at the heart of crisis and community.
Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho, Mediclinic City Hospital, UAE: Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho is a nurse educator whose journey was ignited by a deep conviction that safe, high-quality care begins with empowered, well-trained nurses. Fitz has played a key role in enhancing safety protocols and education systems across hospitals in the Middle East. His initiatives include the establishment of the Life Support Training Center in collaboration with the American Heart Association, the design and launch of the Continuous Medical Education (CME) Program, and the development of Adult and Pediatric Nursing Upskilling Programs. These efforts combine hands-on innovation with global standards. Fitz’s passion for equity also extends beyond the hospital, as he actively teaches and volunteers with underserved communities.
Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre, Centre for Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Policy, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR: Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre is a globally recognised Gerontologist, Researcher and Policy Influencer whose work drives systems-level change in ageing, caregiver support, and the global nursing workforce. He has led multiple World Health Organization-commissioned projects, including a global review of community-based age-friendly interventions that informed the WHO Age-Friendly Framework, and a critical analysis of strategies to improve science literacy during public health emergencies. His pioneering contributions to nursing education – such creation of an interdisciplinary program Master of Ageing, Wellbeing, and Sustainability – has redefined how future health leaders are trained. Dr. Montayre’s research and digital innovations, including telecare for socially isolated older adults, continue to shape inclusive, evidence-based care across borders. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious “Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing” award from the U.S.-based National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence in 2021. He was also honoured with the “Vice-Chancellor Excellence in Research” award for Early Career Research at Western Sydney University in 2022 and named “New Zealand Young Nurse of the Year” in 2016.
Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga, Insight Global Health, USA: Dr Jose Arnold Tariga is a transformative nursing educator and global health advocate whose mission was sparked by his own early struggles navigating bias as a highly qualified, non-western trained nurse entering the U.S. healthcare system. Turning adversity into action, he developed the groundbreaking International Transition to Practice Program (ITPP), a model now shaping how internationally educated nurses bridge clinical, cultural, and communication gaps. From designing rapid upskilling modules during COVID-19 to challenging systemic inequities in nursing education, his work has elevated standards, improved retention, and expanded access. Prior to his move to the USA, he spent over 9 years in the UAE driving education and training for staff at multiple organizations, delivering lectures and workshops recognized by the Department of Health.
Khadija Mohamed Juma, Tudor Subcounty Hospital, Kenya: Khadija Mohamed Juma is a Kenyan nurse and social innovator revolutionizing blood donation access through her tech-enabled platform, RedSplash. In just five years, she has led over 500 blood donation campaigns, collected more than 25,000 units of blood, and saved an estimated 75,000 lives –transforming Kenya’s approach to emergency care. Recognized by the Commonwealth Youth Awards and featured on global media, Khadija’s Smart Donor Search app connects donors to patients in real time, all while breaking cultural taboos and mobilizing over 500 volunteers. Her bold, community-driven approach is redefining the future of healthcare accessibility in Africa.
Maheswari Jaganathan, Cancer Research Malaysia: Maheswari Jaganathan is a nationally recognized oncology nurse leader who pioneered Malaysia’s Patient Navigation Program, which has transformed breast cancer care by reaching over 4,700 newly diagnosed women and closing critical gaps in access and equity. This program —now implemented across multiple hospitals in Malaysia—integrates clinical support with financial, legal, and emotional advocacy, dramatically improving patient outcomes. Recognized by the World Health Organization, her work is redefining nursing as a force for system change. She plans to set up a Navigation Academy for Southeast Asia – a regional hub of learning and collaboration focused on system change, AI, mHealth, and research, further positioning nurses at the forefront of healthcare transformation.
Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana: Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti is a nationally and internationally recognized oncology nurse leader and recipient of multiple honours for her contributions to cancer care, research, and education in Africa. She played a crucial role in the setting up a formal oncology nurse training program in Ghana. Through her leadership, the centre had trained over 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses. 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 shaped continental competencies and policies in cancer nursing, while mentoring more than 48 nurses from African nations. Her initiatives in driving nurse-led education and research – are revolutionizing cancer care and positioning nursing as a central force in Africa’s cancer control response.
Dr Sukhpal Kaur, PGIMER, India: Dr. Sukhpal Kaur is a pioneering force in Indian nursing whose 34-year career has redefined how evidence-based care reaches the most vulnerable. Motivated by the urgent need for nurse-led innovation in underserved settings, she played a key role in securing national interdisciplinary research grants – developing mobile apps, home-care protocols, and indigenous therapies that have improved outcomes for cancer patients, bedridden elders, and rural families. From contributing to nurse-led specialty clinics to transforming education through simulation and competency-based learning, her work bridges academic excellence with grassroots impact – making compassionate, research-driven care accessible where it’s needed most.
Vibha Salaliya, Hospital for Mental Health, India: Vibha Salaliya is a nationally recognized mental health nurse and recipient of the Florence Nightingale Award. She has been instrumental in implementation of the Peer Support Volunteer (PSV) model, which has now scaled across four government mental hospitals in Gujarat. Through this revolutionary initiative, over 3000 individuals with mental illness have achieved economic independence, and 426 patients have transitioned from care receivers to care givers—breaking the stigma and cycle of institutionalization. Her clinical innovations have drastically reduced hospital stay durations from 90 to 43 days by integrating psychotherapeutic approaches, life skills training, family reintegration strategies, and vocational rehabilitation initiatives. She has also trained over 6000 frontline professionals across Gujarat.
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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 the 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.
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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.”