Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, an oncology nurse from Ghana, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award for her outstanding contributions to cancer care and nursing education across Africa.
The accolade, which includes a $250,000 prize, was presented at a ceremony in Dubai by the UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan. Ohene Oti was selected from a pool of 100,000 applicants from 199 countries.
As Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ohene Oti has been at the forefront of transforming oncology nursing in Ghana. Her work addresses disparities in cancer care through education, advocacy, and health system reforms.
“For more than 20 years, I have witnessed the deep inequities in cancer care,” she said during her acceptance speech. “This award is for every nurse who leads with compassion and determination – in Ghana, across Africa, and around the world.”
Under her leadership, Ghana has made significant strides in cancer nursing. In 2015, she helped develop the country’s first postgraduate oncology nursing curriculum, resulting in the training of over 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses. She also collaborated with global institutions such as the Cross Cancer Institute in Canada to enhance local capacity.
Her influence extends beyond Ghana. Ohene Oti is actively involved in shaping cancer nursing policy across the continent. She serves on the education and training committee of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), co-leads projects funded by Global Bridges Oncology, and works with global institutions like ASCO and ISNCC. Her focus remains on advancing culturally appropriate and equitable cancer care.
The recognition comes at a pivotal moment for global healthcare, as the role of nurses is increasingly acknowledged as central to public health. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a message during the ceremony, praised nurses as the backbone of health systems worldwide.
Founded in 2021 by Aster DM Healthcare, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award celebrates excellence in nursing across leadership, research, innovation, and community service. The 2025 award cycle saw a 28% rise in applications compared to the previous year.
“Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti has shown that nurses are not only caregivers – they are leaders, visionaries, and changemakers,” said Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare.
Alongside Ohene Oti, nine other exceptional finalists from countries including the USA, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Switzerland, and Papua New Guinea were honored for their impactful work. The finalists were selected through a rigorous evaluation process conducted by Ernst & Young LLP and two independent juries.
The award serves as both a celebration of individual excellence and a call to elevate the nursing profession worldwide, especially in underserved regions.
