The Global Nurses Prize from the Aster Guardian was awarded to Anna Kabaleh Duba, marking International Nurses Day. Anna was delighted to receive Rs1 crore ($250,000) in prize money from Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and chairman and CEO, of Emirates Airlines.
A total of 10 finalists were shortlisted for the prize, including Anna, with 9 shortlisted candidates receiving $5,000 each. This award was launched in 2021 by Aster DM Healthcare, in recognition of nurses. There were 24,000 nominations received worldwide, and the panel of judges selected 10 nurses.
Below are the 9 finalists who received the award
Dida Jirma Bulle (Kenya)
Francis Michael Fernando, (Filipino-United Kingdom)
Jasmine Mohammad Sharaf (UAE)
Julia Dorothy Downing (UK)
Lincy Joseph (India)
Manju Dhandapani (India)
Mathew James Ball (Australia)
Rachel Abraham Joseph (US Origin-India)
Waris Mohammad Qarani (Afghanistan)
Grand Jury Panel
Dr. J Carolyn Gomes (Special Advisor on External Relations, ProActividad)
Mr Howard Catton (Chief Executive Officer of the International Council of Nurses (ICN), Geneva)
Professor James Buchan (Adjunct Professor at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing, University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), Australia)
Dr. Muralee Thummarukudy (Director of the Coordination Office of the G20 Global Initiative in Bonn, Germany)
Professor Sheila Tlou (Co-chairperson of the Global HIV Prevention Coalition and is the Ex-Minister of Health & Member of Parliament of the Government of Botswana)
Jury Members
Mrs. Akanksha Dicholkar
Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya
Dr Jitu Lal Meena
Mr. Mohammad Ameel
Anna is the first female to be graduated in her village. She has dedicated her life to literacy and serving the masses through Qabale Dubbah Trust. She thanks her mother and husband for their unreserved support. Today was also the day of her wedding anniversary.
Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman and Managing Director says “Nurses form the backbone of healthcare and play the most critical role in patient care. They are the real guardians of the patients and aid the entire recovery process. They put their patients before their families and loved ones to fulfil their duty. Through Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, we aim to bring their sacrifices and commitment to light and celebrate them globally.”
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, watched the ceremony remotely. He said: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has witnessed tremendous contributions from nurses. Our appreciation for nurses must extend beyond just a pat on the back. . The award ceremony was attended by a number of distinguished personalities from around the world.
