RIYADH: Riyadh-based Filipino nurse Dinah Sevilla has been named among the top 10 finalists, out of 134,000 applicants, for a $250,000 global nursing award.
The overall winner of the 2026 fifth Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award will be announced at an event in India later this year.
Sevilla, representing Saudi Arabia, highlights the quality of healthcare professionals working in the Kingdom, with their impact on patient care, innovation and community health, according to Aster.
She currently works as the head nurse of peritoneal dialysis at King Saud University Medical City and King Khalid Hospital in Riyadh. She was recognized for emphasizing culturally-aware patient education to improve home-based dialysis care, and reduce complications.
According to Aster, Sevilla’s unit achieved a peritonitis rate of 0.07 percent, significantly below the global benchmark of 0.40 percent, simultaneously reducing hospital and emergency room visits. Her work underscores the impact of nurse-led dedication in chronic care.
Speaking to Arab News, Sevilla said: “I know this is a professional and personal achievement, but at the same time, this comes with responsibility, I want to strengthen dialysis awareness, especially to support unprivileged patients.”
She added that her mission includes promoting the idea that life with kidney disease can still be beautiful and meaningful, as she has worked to encourage home dialysis and independence, regardless of a patient’s background.
Sevilla said that navigating cultural differences has been a fundamental part of her journey as a nurse in the Kingdom.
“Here in Saudi Arabia, an Arabic course is becoming mandatory for all the new staff, because the more you speak the language of the people, the more you will understand, the more you can show your empathy, your compassion to their treatment and to their feelings,” she explained.
She said her commitment to patient care comes from her Filipino background, telling Arab News that she worked in the Philippines for almost six years at the start of her career before moving to the Kingdom.
“I consider this to be one of my greatest blessings of my life and career, because when I first arrived here in 2011, I can truly say that Saudi Arabia has a special place in my heart as I’m forever grateful for the opportunities, growth and experiences.”
She started as a staff nurse before being transferred to care for COVID-19 patients and finally, in 2022, becoming a head nurse.
Sevilla added that Filipino nurses “are known worldwide for their hard work, caring hearts, and commitment to patient care.” And she remains committed to improving care, promoting independence, and conducting evidence-based research for dialysis patients.
The Aster Guardians Global Award has had a steady increase in participation. Last year’s fourth edition had over 100,000 applicants.
