Photo credit: Aster DM Healthcare
Maria Victoria Juan, a Filipina military nurse and a consultant for the Philippine Army Health Services, has been awarded the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024. This honor, which comes with a $250,000 prize, highlights her extraordinary contributions to the nursing profession and her service to the Philippines.
Juan stood out among more than 78,000 nominees from 202 countries. Her groundbreaking efforts in establishing the first aeromedical evacuation system in the Armed Forces of the Philippines have saved countless lives, providing rapid transport and medical care for soldiers in critical situations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she demonstrated exceptional leadership by organizing and overseeing operations at a major swabbing center, which conducted close to half a million tests. Her role was instrumental in strengthening the nation’s response to the health crisis.
In her acceptance speech, Juan emphasized that the award honors not just her work but also the courage of the soldiers she serves and the resilience of her fellow Filipinos.
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, established to celebrate the essential contributions of nurses worldwide, has become a symbol of excellence in the profession. Juan’s recognition is a proud moment for the Philippines and a testament to the impact that dedicated healthcare professionals can make, both in times of peace and crisis.
