Dubai:Aster DM Healthcare has announced the launch of the sixth edition of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. This prestigious award invites registered nurses worldwide to showcase their contributions to healthcare, with a chance to win a prize of USD 250,000. The award aims to recognize nurses whose work advances patient care, strengthens healthcare systems, drives innovation, and makes a meaningful difference in communities.
According to Wam, the award is open to registered nurses globally, highlighting their outstanding contributions to nursing and healthcare. Applicants can choose their Areas of Professional Nursing Experience and share impactful stories from their careers through case-study questions. These stories should emphasize their achievements in patient care, nursing education, community service, research and innovation in healthcare, and nursing leadership.
Over the years, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award has become a global platform celebrating nursing excellence, bringing inspiring stories of dedication, leadership, and innovation to the forefront. The 2026 edition received more than 134,000 registrations from 214 countries and economies, showcasing the growing global reach of the initiative. Applications for the 2027 edition can be submitted through the website www.asterguardians.com by December 31, 2026.
The multi-stage evaluation process for the award will be independently managed by Ernst and Young LLP (EY) and overseen by a distinguished Grand Jury comprising internationally recognized healthcare leaders. After a rigorous assessment process, the Top 10 finalists will be selected and invited to compete for the award, culminating in a global awards ceremony planned for May 2027, aligned with International Nurses Day.
Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, expressed that the vision behind the award was to create a platform recognizing nurses for their care, innovation, and community transformation. The response from past editions has highlighted the significant contributions nurses make to healthcare. As the sixth edition launches, the commitment remains to bring these stories to the forefront and ensure exceptional nursing contributions receive the recognition they deserve.
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was instituted in 2021 by Dr. Azad Moopen to recognize the invaluable contributions of nurses worldwide. The inaugural edition, held in Dubai in May 2022, was won by Nurse Anna Qabale Duba from Kenya. Subsequent winners include Nurse Margaret Helen Shepherd from the UK in 2023, Nurse Maria Victoria Juan from the Philippines, Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti from Ghana in 2025, and Dr. Agimol Pradeep from the UK in 2026. Dr. Pradeep's work, including co-founding the Upahaar initiative, exemplifies the far-reaching impact nurses can have on patients and communities.
