Dubai: World's best nurse announced; wins $250,000

Kenyan nurse, gender justice champion and educationist Anna Qabale Duba was crowned the first-ever recipient of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award.

Anna won the prestigious title on International Nurses Day, celebrated globally on May 12. By winning the prize, Anna has bagged a cash prize of $250,000 from Aster DM Healthcare, the UAE-based Indian conglomerate that launched the award.

During a glittering ceremony at Atlantis, The Palm, Anna accepted the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award from Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and chairman of Dubai Airports.

Anna, the founder of the Qabale Duba Foundation in Kenya, has been championing against harmful cultural practices against women, such as - female genital mutilation (FGM) and early or forced marriage.

Her foundation has been empowering women through education, implementing peace-building activities, and advocating for girl-child education.

‘This is a win for rural Africa.’

Fighting tears of joy after her name was announced by chairman and managing director of Aster DM Azad Moopen, Anna said, “I am happy and proud to have been given this tremendous honour. Growing up in a rural village in Kenya, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would be celebrated on a global platform such as the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award.”

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Anna opened a school in her village that serves the children in the morning and adults in the afternoon. Anna is the former Miss Kenya Peace and Investment, a title she has used to reach out to fighting communities and champion peace. She was recognised as one of the Top 100 most influential young Africans in 2020.

Anna said, “This is a win for Africa, a win for Kenya, and all the girls and women in the rural villages across Kenya.” She added, “I am the first graduate girl from my village and the first out of 19 children in my family to receive a college education. After having a taste of education, I decided to go back to my roots and fix the many social injustices my community was facing. Low literacy is often associated with poor health.”

She thanked her mother, husband, and two children for their steadfast support and said, “I also want to thank my colleagues at the Marsabit County in Kenya. It is incredible to spread my wings and do this community work.” Anna also said the global nursing community could not be taken for granted as they are the backbone of the healthcare sector.

‘We need to change the status of nurses’

Dr Moopen also confirmed that the Aster Guardians Global Guardians Award would be an annual prize for nurses across the globe. Future award ceremonies would take place in other parts of the world, such as Africa, encouraging nurses from all aspects to seriously consider taking up the profession, explained Dr Moopen.

He said, “There is a lack of 6.5 million nurses. By 2030, according to several international nursing organisations, it is predicted the numbers could go up to 13 million.”