The top 10 finalists for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026.

Aster DM Healthcare has announced the Top 10 finalists for the fifth edition of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, recognising exceptional nurses making transformative contributions to healthcare worldwide. The announcement was made on Tuesday (May 12) to coincide with International Nurses Day. This year’s competition received more than 134,000 registrations from 214 countries, a significant increase from the previous edition’s 100,000-plus entries from 199 countries. The final winner will be announced during a gala event in India in July 2026. The winner will receive $250,000, with the remaining finalists also receiving international recognition for their contributions. Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, said: “The role of nurses extends far beyond bedside care. Their commitment, dedication, and compassion make them the backbone of healthcare systems across the world.” Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare GCC, said:“One of the most encouraging themes this year is how nurses are not only delivering impact today, but actively building capacity for the future.”

The Top 10 finalists

Dr. Agimol Pradeep Senior Transplant Coordinator at King’s College Hospital and Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Salford, United Kingdom. Recognised for improving donor access for South Asian patients. Dr. Aidah Alkaissi Independent nursing consultant based in Sweden, with decades of experience advancing critical care education across Sweden, Norway and Palestine. Dinah Sevilla Head Nurse for Peritoneal Dialysis at King Saud University Medical City – King Khalid University Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Improved patient outcomes through culturally adapted dialysis education. Dr. Hammoda Abu-Odah Assistant Professor at The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. Known for pioneering palliative care frameworks in conflict-affected settings. Hindumbi Kaurom Kakkada Theatre Trained Nurse at Government Indira Gandhi Hospital Kavaratti, India. Delivered frontline surgical care for more than five decades in Lakshadweep. Johana Patricia Galvan Barrios Researcher and lecturer at University of the Coast Corporation (CUC), Colombia. Uses technology-driven nursing solutions for chronic disease management. Josephine Nelago Angula Founder and Practice Manager at Betesda Medical Centre, Namibia. Built a nurse-led healthcare centre serving underserved communities. Oluchi Angel Okoi Head of Nursing Unit at Women at Risk International Foundation, Nigeria. Leads trauma-informed care for survivors of gender-based violence. Peter Fore Registered Nursing Officer at Port Moresby General Hospital and President of the Papua New Guinea Oncology Nurses Association, Papua New Guinea. Expanded national oncology nursing capacity. Ronald Mario Cañas Rojas Founder of Oncocuidado and lecturer at Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina, Colombia. Built a digital oncology education platform reaching millions. ICA/CAM/Expat Media
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