Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority (WHPHA) stands proud as one of our own, Sr. Edith Namba, a senior nurse and Deputy Director for Clinical Nursing Services, has secured a top 10 finalist position in the prestigious Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025. Her leadership and excellence in patient care have earned global recognition, as she carries the flag of WHPHA and PNG onto the world stage, proving that Papua New Guinea nurses are leaders in healthcare.

For 27 years, Edith Namba has dedicated her life to serving the WHPHA, standing as a pillar of strength and compassion. A widow and devoted mother of two from the Jika Panga Tribe, in the Hagen Central district, her unwavering commitment has not gone unnoticed.

Her expertise in gender-based violence response has brought healing to those broken by violence, offering hope where it is most needed. 

Her journey is one of resilience and unwavering dedication. Since the age of 26, when tragedy struck, Sr. Namba has carried the weight of grief while devoting herself fully to her calling, nursing. With two young children depending on her, she chose to pour her
love into caring for the sick, ensuring they received proper treatment and returned home healthy.

“Despite the challenges, I am grateful to the good Lord for looking after me and providing for my needs, bringing me to where I am today,” she shared.

The news of her selection left her speechless. “I was shocked, surprised, and deeply honoured. Coming from a developing nation, I never thought I would stand among finalists from advanced healthcare systems. I still can’t believe this is real,” she revealed.

While the honour fills her with pride, the road ahead carries uncertainty. “I am also scared, knowing the challenges that await me during the main presentation in Dubai.”

Through it all, her strength remains unshaken, a testament to her commitment and the lives she continues to touch.

Sr. Edith Namba has been a driving force in advocating for GBV in the province. With leadership and determination, she pioneered the Family Support Centre in Mt Hagen Provincial Hospital, ensuring survivors receive care and counselling in a protected, confidential environment.

“We provide care where no one else will, standing by survivors with love, dignity, and respect,” she said.

Her impact goes beyond clinical duties as she ensures advices and care for survivors of rape, unwanted pregnancies, HIV cases, etc. making a real difference in their recovery. Her unwavering dedication continues to empower those who have suffered, bringing healing where it is needed most.

Sr. Namba has always dreamed of expanding healthcare services out to rural districts to reach more survivors, reducing financial and geographical barriers. If she wins, she plans to build a safe house in Mt Hagen, ensuring gender-based violence survivors receive complete case management and lasting protection.

“Right now, their safety is uncertain because we send them back to their villages, not knowing what happens next. Some may never return; therefore, a safe house would give them hope and a real chance at survival,” she said.

As a GBV Facilitator, Sr. Namba has also trained some ward supervisors as GBV Trainers, strengthening the network of care. Her remarkable achievement is a source of pride for WHPHA, Western Highlands Province, and PNG as a whole.

On May 26th, Dubai will host a remarkable event, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025 and the grand winner will be rewarded with $250,000 prize, while the remaining nine finalists will also receive recognition for their contributions.

Congratulations, Sr. Namba! May your passion and dedication shine on the global stage!