Namibian nurse Josephine Angula is among the top 10 finalists for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026.
 
More than 134 thousand registrations from 214 countries were received.
 
 Angula, the Founder and Practice Manager of Bethesda Medical Centre, is the only Namibian among the finalists, which also include nurses from Nigeria, Colombia, China, Sweden, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Papua New Guinea and India.
 
With more than 25 years of experience in nursing, Angula established Betesda Medical Centre in 2002 from a small rented space.
 
She worked independently as a nurse to provide affordable healthcare to underserved communities.
 
The facility has since grown into a comprehensive primary healthcare centre.
 
Angula stated that being selected among the finalists is a achievement she never expected.

"I am really overwhelmed, and I am very happy about this occasion because I never, ever dreamed of it. This is a milestone in our nursing profession. I am truly grateful to DM Healthcare in India for organising this platform for nurses globally and for recognising the work that nurses do. In most cases, nurses have a positive impact on the lives of people.”
 
Angula will travel to India for the final stage of the competition, where the finalists will undergo interviews before an international grand jury comprising healthcare experts and policymakers.
 
The overall winner will walk away with the grand title and a 250 thousand US dollar cash prize, while the other finalists will also receive rewards and global recognition for their contributions to healthcare.
 
“In case I win, I am happy to take up the nursing profession globally. I also encourage my national nurses that our work is really recognised globally.”
  
The winner will be announced on the 12th of September at a ceremony at Grand Hyatt Kochi, Bolgatty, in India.