Two African Nurses Among Top Finalists for $250,000 Global Nursing Prize

In a momentous acknowledgment of Africa’s healthcare leadership, two inspiring nurses—Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti from Ghana and Khadija Mohamed Juma from Kenya—have been named among the top 10 finalists for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025. These trailblazers were chosen from more than 100,000 nominations spanning 199 countries, setting a benchmark for excellence in nursing worldwide. The award winner, who will be announced at a prestigious ceremony in Dubai, UAE on May 26, 2025, will receive a grand prize of USD 250,000.

Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti: Redefining Oncology Nursing in Africa

Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, an Oncology Nurse Specialist at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital—Ghana’s leading cancer care facility—has devoted over 23 years to transforming oncology education and service delivery across the continent. As Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, she has led transformative initiatives, including the development of Ghana’s first postgraduate oncology nursing curriculum in 2015. Her influence extends to the mentorship of more than 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses within Ghana, and over 48 oncology professionals across Africa.

Naomi’s expertise and advocacy have resonated globally. She is an active member of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), a co-investigator on the Global Bridges Oncology GM Grant, and a faculty member in the ASCO Multidisciplinary Cancer Management Courses. Her collaborative work with institutions like the Cross Cancer Institute (Canada) underscores her commitment to building global partnerships that strengthen local capacities.

Recognized with numerous accolades including the Ministry of Health Excellence Award and the Dr. Dorcia Kisseh International Award, Naomi exemplifies compassionate leadership, deep-rooted advocacy for equity, and a bold vision to elevate oncology nursing standards across Africa.

Khadija Mohamed Juma: Innovating Blood Donation Through Technology in Kenya

At just 29 years old, Khadija Mohamed Juma, a nurse at Tudor Subcounty Hospital in Mombasa, is revolutionizing healthcare with her innovative tech-enabled platform, RedSplash. Motivated by the loss of a friend’s mother due to delayed transfusions, Khadija developed a Smart Donor Search algorithm to connect blood donors and patients in real time. Her mission is clear: “Deliver blood faster than pizza.”

To date, Khadija has spearheaded over 500 blood donation drives, collected more than 25,000 units of blood, and helped save an estimated 75,000 lives. Through RedSplash, she mobilizes schools, religious institutions, and communities, dispelling myths and promoting voluntary donation.

Her work has garnered both national and international acclaim. She has been featured on BBC, DW, Citizen TV, and was recognized as a finalist in the Commonwealth Youth Awards (Africa). Her leadership is not only improving emergency response systems but also empowering youth and women in the healthcare space.

Khadija envisions expanding RedSplash into Kenya’s first decentralized blood bank network, equipped with mobile units to bridge the accessibility gap in rural and underserved regions.

A Global Platform for Local Heroes

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, praised Naomi and Khadija, stating, “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.”

Now in its fourth edition, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award is among the most coveted recognitions for nurses globally. The top 10 finalists were selected through a rigorous, independent evaluation led by Ernst & Young LLP (EY) and vetted by a Grand Jury and Expert Panel.

Public Voting Open Until May 19, 2025

As part of the final selection process, the public is invited to cast their vote for their favorite finalist. Voting is now open and will conclude on May 19, 2025.

📌 Vote Here: https://apo-opa.co/44vBEWR

To learn more about the top 10 finalists and their impactful work, visit: https://apo-opa.co/3GOSExm

2025 Top 10 Finalists

• Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti (Ghana)

• Khadija Mohamed Juma (Kenya)

• Catherine Maree Holliday (Switzerland)

• Edith Namba (Papua New Guinea)

• Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho (UAE)

• Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre (Hong Kong SAR)

• Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga (USA)

• Maheswari Jaganathan (Malaysia)

• Dr. Sukhpal Kaur (India)

• Vibhaben Gunvantbhai Salaliya (India)

A Salute to African Excellence in Nursing

The selection of Naomi and Khadija is not just a personal victory—it is a broader celebration of African resilience, innovation, and excellence in healthcare. These exceptional women serve as beacons of hope and progress, proving that with vision and compassion, nurses can transform not only hospitals but entire health systems.