Aster DM Healthcare Launches Fifth Edition of Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026, Valued at USD 250,000
Aster DM Healthcare has officially announced the opening of nominations for the fifth edition of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award (AGGNA) 2026, one of the most prestigious international recognitions dedicated to celebrating excellence in the nursing profession. With a prize value of USD 250,000, the award stands among the most significant global honors for nurses, recognizing their extraordinary contributions across multiple dimensions of healthcare.
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was established with the vision of shining a spotlight on nurses worldwide who have gone above and beyond in their service to humanity. Nurses represent the largest proportion of the healthcare workforce and serve as the backbone of patient care, yet their contributions often go underappreciated on the global stage. With this award, Aster DM Healthcare reaffirms its commitment to amplifying the voices of nurses, elevating their achievements, and inspiring future generations to embrace the profession with pride and passion.
Nominations Now Open Globally
The award is open to registered nurses across the world, regardless of nationality, sector, or specialty. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate notable achievements in one or more areas of contribution. These include:
- Patient Care – Recognizing those who deliver exceptional, compassionate, and impactful care to patients, often under challenging circumstances.
- Nursing Leadership – Celebrating individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, whether in clinical settings, administration, or nursing advocacy.
- Nursing Education – Honoring educators who have advanced the science and practice of nursing through innovative teaching, training, or mentorship programs.
- Social or Community Service – Highlighting the vital role nurses play outside hospitals, in building healthier communities and serving vulnerable populations.
- Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Healthcare – Showcasing the contributions of nurses who drive innovation, spearhead impactful research, or create solutions that improve healthcare delivery systems.
Applicants may select one primary area of contribution and up to two secondary areas, ensuring that their holistic impact is recognized. Submissions can be made through the until 10 November 2025.
A Rigorous, Transparent Evaluation Process
In keeping with its reputation as a globally respected honor, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award follows a transparent and independent selection process. The evaluation will be independently managed by Ernst & Young LLP (EY), a leading global professional services firm renowned for its rigorous auditing and evaluation frameworks.
Candidates will undergo a multi-stage screening process to identify the most deserving nominees. This will culminate in the announcement of the Top 10 finalists, who will be recognized in a grand international awards ceremony scheduled for May 2026, in alignment with International Nurses Day.
A distinguished Grand Jury composed of global leaders in healthcare and nursing will oversee the final selection process. The jury is expected to include senior healthcare policymakers, nurse leaders, and pioneers in medical education, ensuring that the winners are chosen with fairness, diversity, and global representation in mind.
Dr. Azad Moopen on the Award’s Significance
The award was conceptualized by Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, as a way to honor the central role that nurses play in healthcare systems worldwide. Reflecting on his personal journey of more than five decades in the medical field, Dr. Moopen emphasized the irreplaceable role of nurses:
Over the past 50+ years of my journey in healthcare, one truth has remained constant: the strength of any healthcare system lies in the hands of its nurses. Their commitment, resilience, and compassion deserve far greater recognition. The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was born from a deep sense of gratitude – to honor those who stand as the backbone of care and to inspire the next generation to join this noble profession. It remains one of the most meaningful initiatives of my life, because to empower nurses is to strengthen the very soul of healthcare.
This heartfelt vision has been at the core of the award’s growth and international recognition over the years.
A Legacy of Celebrating Nursing Excellence
Since its inception, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award has celebrated the work of nurses from across continents, creating a truly global community of healthcare heroes. Its past winners reflect the diversity, resilience, and innovation that define nursing today.
- In 2024, Naomi Ohene Oti, a pioneering oncology nurse from Ghana, won the award for her transformative contributions to cancer care and education across Africa. Her initiatives have not only saved countless lives but have also built local capacity for cancer awareness and treatment in underserved communities.
- Previous editions have also recognized nurses from Kenya, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines, showcasing the award’s international reach and its dedication to inclusivity.
These stories of past winners underscore the far-reaching impact nurses have, not only in clinical settings but also in shaping public health outcomes, driving research, and supporting underserved populations.
Why This Award Matters Today
Globally, nurses account for nearly 59% of the healthcare workforce, yet the profession faces enormous challenges. These range from staffing shortages and burnout to under-recognition of their pivotal role in healthcare delivery. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the sacrifices nurses make daily, often at great personal cost, while underlining how indispensable they are to global health security.
Awards such as the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award are critical for:
- Recognizing Contribution – Providing the acknowledgment and respect that nurses deserve for their tireless service.
- Encouraging Innovation – Supporting nurses who are innovating in healthcare delivery, research, and entrepreneurship.
- Inspiring Future Generations – Elevating nursing as a profession of choice for young people considering careers in healthcare.
- Strengthening Global Solidarity – Creating a network of globally recognized nurse leaders who can share knowledge and collaborate across borders.
By placing nurses at the center of global recognition, Aster DM Healthcare is sending a powerful message: that investing in nurses is synonymous with investing in better health outcomes for humanity.
