Christine Mawia Sammy, a committed nurse from Kenya with 27 years of experience, has been named as one of the ten finalists for the 2023 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award.
Ms Sammy, who is employed at the Kitui County Referral Hospital in Kenya, has played a key role in enhancing neonatal care and improving newborn survival rates.
In 2010, she established the first neonatal unit in Kitui County, which resulted in a substantial decrease in neonatal mortality rates from over 50% to less than 10% in just one year.
Despite encountering various cultural and religious barriers, Ms Sammy worked with stakeholders to implement newborn resuscitation mentorship programs, leading to a reduction in child mortality in the region.
Ms Sammy has received numerous accolades for her outstanding work, including the Nurse-led Initiative of the Year Award from H.E. Margaret Kenyatta in 2021 and being recognized as a Trailblazer in Reproductive Health by the President of Kenya in 2022.
She is also a recipient of the International Neonatal Nursing Excellence Award for her contributions to training mothers to reduce infant mortality.
Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, acknowledged the hard work and dedication of nurses globally, highlighting that the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award aims to honor and celebrate their devotion.
This year, over 50,000 nurses applied for the award, with the top ten finalists exhibiting exceptional contributions to the nursing profession.
Ms Sammy will now compete with the other nine finalists in a public voting process, followed by final assessment by the Grand Jury.
The winner, who will receive a grand prize of $250,000, will be announced during the award ceremony on Friday 12 May 2023, which coincides with International Nurses Day.
Anna Qabale Duba, the 2022 winner, utilized her prize money to construct a school in her hometown of Turbi, Kenya, which Ms Sammy could emulate if she emerges victorious.
