Kenyan-nurse, Anne Qabale Duba, has been named the World's best nurse in the inaugural Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award at a ceremony held on Thursday, May 12, at the Atlantis Hotel in the United Arab Emirates.
In a glittering ceremony filled with pomp and colour, Duba was selected by a jury of ten finalists. She was awarded Ksh29 million (USD250,000).
The award received nominations from over 24,000 nurses across the world, signifying the magnitude of Duba scooping the award.
After receiving the Award, the nurse could not hold her emotions, as she expressed gratitude for the chance to represent her country.
“I could not have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would be acknowledged and celebrated in such a way. This is a win for Kenya, for Africa and the girls in the villages,” she stated.
Duba, who is the founder of Qabale Duba Foundation in Marsabit in Kenya's Northern Frontier District, noted that she is committed to fighting for equality and advocating against harmful cultural practices in society such as FGM.
Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and group, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, presented the award to Duba who also happened to celebrate her wedding anniversary today.
The other nine finalists did not leave empty-handed as they received a sum of Ksh580,600 each. Initiated in 2021, Aster Guardian International Nursing Award was formed in order to recognise the vital role played by nurses worldwide.
Azad Moopen, the founder of Aster Group, noted that nurses are a cog in the wheel that may be overlooked but play an important role in society.
"Soon after the pandemic, when I was talking to a nurse, trying to find out if she was happy at Aster, her words impressed me. She stated that nurses are like curry leaves to food as they lend the essential flavour, but have no recognition beyond that.”
"I think nurses are the most underpaid and overworked group in the health care field. If doctors are the brain of health care, nurses are the heart and soul of health care."
"Together over 27 million men and women work as nurses worldwide and are nearly 50 per cent of the workforce in health care. Yet, they are paid a tenth of the salary paid to doctors," he stated, highlighting the reason for initiating the award.
