Catherine Maree Holliday Selected as Finalist for Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025
In a remarkable achievement, Catherine Maree Holliday, a prominent nursing leader based in Switzerland, has been recognized as one of the top ten finalists for the esteemed Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025. This prestigious accolade carries a grand prize of USD 250,000 and celebrates exceptional nursing professionals worldwide. The announcement was made in May 2025, with Holliday standing out from an impressive pool of over 100,000 nominations from 199 countries.
Catherine's innovative contributions to healthcare are noteworthy. As the founder of the Centre for Community-Driven Response, she has been a pivotal figure in developing PEEK, one of the globe's largest patient experience databases. Her telehealth-based nursing frameworks have not only revolutionized chronic disease management in affluent regions, but they have also proven effective in resource-limited areas where healthcare access is challenging. This approach has been a game-changer, allowing better care for patients suffering from both common and rare diseases.
Her remarkable journey is underscored by collaborative efforts with World Health Organization (WHO), Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), and various international patient networks. Together, they have significantly impacted health systems worldwide, advocating for the inclusion of patient voices in healthcare reform.
Holliday's achievements reflect a deep commitment to nursing and health equity. She was recognized as one of the WHO's 100 Outstanding Women Nurses in 2020, alongside receiving Australia's Health Minister's Award for Nursing Trailblazers in 2022. These honors highlight not just her leadership but also her relentless dedication to improving patient care.
Dr. Azad Moopen, the Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, expressed his admiration for Holliday, stating, “She embodies the essence of innovation, compassion, and patient-centered care. Her influence reaches across continents, reshaping the role of nursing in the future of healthcare.”
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award has become a prestigious milestone in the nursing community, celebrating not only excellence but also the vital contributions nurses make to society. This year's finalists include notable figures from across the globe such as Edith Namba from Papua New Guinea and Dr. Alex Tariga from the USA, all vying for the accolade that underscores their commitment to healthcare.
Public voting for the winner is open until May 19, 2025, providing everyone an opportunity to support their chosen finalist. The final award ceremony is set to take place in Dubai on May 26, 2025, marking a significant event for the global nursing community.
For more information about the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award and to participate in voting, visit their official website at
Aster Guardians. Holliday's feats serve as an inspiration, shining a light on the critical role nurses play in healthcare and the importance of advocating for patient-centered approaches in medical practices around the world.