Dubai: Nurse who fights for equal cancer care wins $250,000 Aster nursing award

Nurse Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, a mother of three and a staunch advocate for equitable cancer care, was awarded the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025 at a ceremony held in Dubai on Monday.

Naomi took the global spotlight with her powerful message: "The number one priority for us right now is the standardisation of training — and it's urgent." While calling for the urgent need to standardise nursing education, the healthcare worker from Ghana also urged nurses to step into 'leadership roles'.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the award ceremony she said “Every nurse is a leader. Whether you are administering an injection or advocating for better resources, you are taking responsibility for the patient’s health. Leadership is not about position, it’s about accountability, integrity, and action. It’s about advocacy, for your patients, for your peers, and for the system."

Starting her career in 2001, nurse Naomi explained how she had seen disparities in cancer care and committed herself to addressing these through education, outreach, and systemic reform.

Flanked by dignitaries, Naomi Ohene Oti receives her award in Dubai on May 26.

The award money of $250,000, that honours the exceptional contributions of nurse Naomi will now enhance her efforts, expanding training programmes, developing faculty, and inspiring future oncology nurses across the continent.

She also explained why partnerships are vital to this journey: "Many stakeholders bring rich experiences to the table, and while we have already established some collaborations, new ones are emerging, each with the potential to help us make a deeper impact.

"For example, through our pilot training with the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care, one of the participants has already gone on to contribute to national policy by helping develop breast cancer awareness materials. Real change, one step at a time."

Former Miss Universe and Indian actress Sushmita Sen.

Taking the journey forward

Going forward she explained how she is ready to take her work forward where she can engage directly with ministers and key decision-makers.

“We must advocate for its integration into policy and national training institutions. This isn’t just a vision; it’s a movement. One that adapts, trains, and transform,” said the nurse who is pursuing her PhD in ‘supportive care intervention for breast cancer survivors’.

She also attributed her success to her husband, who has been supportive throughout her learning journey. "It was not always easy for me but my husband was hugely supportive," she added.

"Nurses are the heartbeat of healthcare, as Dr Azad Moopen once said. When nurses get it right, the system gets it right. When they don’t, we all feel the consequences.

“One thing this journey, and even this award application has taught me is the importance of documentation and visibility. Accountability matters. Whatever you’re doing, take note of it.

Championing nurses' contributions

Meanwhile, a special highlight of the ceremony was a message from Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, who congratulated the finalists and commended Aster DM Healthcare’s commitment to championing the crucial contributions of nurses worldwide.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE's Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, said, “The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award stands as a distinguished platform that honours one of the noblest and most impactful professions in human history — nursing. Nurses are truly the first line of defence 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.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan waving at the crowd

“In the UAE, we view the nursing profession with deep pride and gratitude, recognising the tireless efforts and dedication of those who serve in this essential field."

Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said, “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."

Alisha Moopen, managing director & Group CEO, Aster DM Healthcare said, Naomi’s story is a powerful reminder of the quiet heroism that unfolds every day in hospitals, clinics, and communities across the world.

These nurses were selected through a stringent review process run by Ernst & Young LLP, a panel of Screening-Jury and the Grand Jury.

Moopen said, “We are incredibly proud to shine a global spotlight on her work, and through her, honour the millions of nurses who keep healthcare systems running and humanity thriving.”