GPON 2021 Award Winners
In 2021, GPON want to recognise and celebrate an oncology nurse from a low/middle income country who has made a difference during the pandemic. We look to honour oncology nurses who have demonstrated compassion, innovation, and strength.
The past 18 months have been some of the most challenging for all nurses. Nurses have gone above and beyond to ensure the patients under their care continued to receive the care they deserved whilst battling the pandemic and whatever other situation that may be apparent in their countries.
GPON Rising Star award:
Shenila Anwarali, Pakistan
Shenila, a paediatric oncology nurse educator working with nurses caring for children with cancer in Karachi, Pakistan. She is now pursuing a Masters degree in Karachi; this is rare and difficult in a country where in general nurses are not well regarded as ‘professionals’.
Despite this, Shenila managed a specialist course for paediatric oncology nurses that attracts students from Africa and Southeast Asia.
GPON Outstanding contribution to Cancer Nursing in L/MIC award:
Ma. Cecelia P. Paje, Philippines
After pioneering the development of two major Cancer Centers in Manila, the Phillippines, Cecilia was elected President of the Philippine Oncology Nurses Association (PONA) and spearheaded some Oncology Nursing Training Programs with the most recent being a virtual programs focused on cancer care during the pandemic. Hard work, dedication, and commitment for Oncology Nursing is her life goal.
GPON Master of Nursing award:
Biemba Kahalu, Zambia
Leading the oncology nursing services in Zambia from the front line, Biemba is Chief Nursing Officer, Oncology at Zambia’s only radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre.
Biemba has directed oncology nursing services for well over a decade years and developed two training programs, an Advanced Diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Oncology Nursing at two universities in Zambia
Over the last 20 months, Biemba led the reorganisation of cancer services during COVID19, caring for both staff and patients.