With over 100,000 applicants from 199 countries, Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, a Ghanaian oncologist nurse, has won the 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award and a $250,000 prize money.
The award ceremony took place in Dubai, where she was honored by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.
Naomi, who serves as the Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, stood out from a staggering pool of 100,000 applicants from 199 countries.
With over two decades of experience, Naomi has worked tirelessly to tackle the deep-rooted inequalities in cancer care across Ghana and the wider African continent. Her works focused on education, system reform, and the development of a sustainable oncology nursing workforce.
“This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to every nurse across Ghana, Africa, and the world who leads with resilience, compassion, and courage,” Naomi said during her acceptance speech.
Under her leadership, Ghana’s oncology nursing sector has undergone a significant transformation. She was instrumental in the creation of Ghana’s postgraduate oncology nursing curriculum in 2015, which has since trained more than 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses.
She also played a key role in launching advanced training programs in partnership with international institutions, including the Cross Cancer Institute in Canada.
Naomi’s impact extends far beyond Ghana. She sits on the Education and Training Committee of AORTIC (African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer), contributes to global research through the Global Bridges Oncology grant, and collaborates with international organizations like ASCO and the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC).
Her advocacy centers on culturally responsive and equitable cancer care, ensuring that African voices and realities are integrated into global healthcare conversations.
The award comes at a time when the world is beginning to recognize the irreplaceable role of nurses in building resilient health systems. Even Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), sent a message during the ceremony, emphasizing the crucial role nurses play in global health.
Established in 2021 by Aster DM Healthcare, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award celebrates nurses who demonstrate outstanding contributions in leadership, innovation, research, and community service. This year’s edition saw a 28% increase in applications compared to 2024.
“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,” said Dr. Azad Moopen, founder of Aster DM Healthcare.
Nine other exceptional nurses from countries including Switzerland, Papua New Guinea, the UAE, Hong Kong, Kenya, Malaysia, India, and the USA were also honored as finalists.
The winners were chosen through a rigorous, multi-stage selection process overseen by Ernst & Young LLP and two independent panels.
