UK nurse wins global recognition for commitment to profession

A UK nurse, Dr Agimol Pradeep, has been honored with the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026, a prestigious international nursing accolade. The award ceremony took place in Kochi, India. Dr Pradeep, a senior transplant co-ordinator at King’s College Hospital and an honorary senior lecturer at the University of Salford, England, co-founded the Upahaar initiative to tackle donor shortages for South Asian patients. Since its inception, the project has registered over 10,000 stem-cell donors.

Dr Pradeep highlighted the challenges faced by minority communities waiting longer for life-saving transplants due to a lack of ethnically matched donors, as well as systemic barriers preventing skilled nurses from re-entering the profession. She expressed her intention to use this award to amplify her efforts and drive further action. The monetary prize will be divided between supporting Upahaar's goals and investing in nursing education and empowerment.

Half of the prize will go towards expanding organ and stem-cell donation, reaching communities and countries where it is most needed. Dr Pradeep aims to raise awareness for organ donation and believes there is more work to be done in various communities. She believes that if this award can help change systems, mobilize communities, and give thousands more people a chance at life, it will be her lasting legacy.

Dr Azad Moopen, founder chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, praised Dr Pradeep's achievement, emphasizing the qualities of expertise, courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment that define exceptional nursing. These values are at the core of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, which has been recognizing and elevating nurses' global contributions since 2021.