Kenyan nurse Khadija Mohamed Juma is changing how the country thinks about blood donation with one powerful goal: “Deliver blood faster than pizza.” At just 29 years old, the trailblazing nurse from Tudor Sub-County Hospital in Mombasa is the force behind RedSplash, a community-based blood donation initiative powered by technology and compassion.
Khadija recently returned to Kenya to a hero’s welcome after clinching top place at the 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award in Dubai. Out of more than 100,000 applicants from 199 countries, she emerged as one of the top 10 global finalists, placing Kenya firmly on the world map for nursing excellence.
In a statement on Wednesday, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir praised Khadija for embodying the spirit of resilience, innovation, and service.
“Yesterday, we proudly welcomed Nurse Khadija Mohammed back home from the UAE a true daughter of Mombasa who has put Kenya on the global map! Out of over 100,000 applicants from 199 countries, Khadija was one of the top ten finalists for the prestigious 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award,” he said.
At the heart of Khadija’s mission is RedSplash, a tech-driven blood donation programme that uses a Smart Donor Search algorithm to connect patients with donors in real-time. The system ensures that life-saving blood reaches those in need when “seconds count.”
Her journey began with tragedy. She watched helplessly as a friend’s mother died while waiting for a blood transfusion, an experience that stirred her to act. What started as grassroots outreach in schools and mosques has grown into a nationwide campaign that’s transforming Kenya’s blood donation culture.
Looking ahead, Khadija plans to build Kenya’s first independent blood bank and equip mobile donation vans to serve hard-to-reach communities. Her vision is ambitious, but her track record proves it’s possible.
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, launched in 2021, recognizes exceptional contributions by nurses worldwide. This year’s ceremony in Dubai was graced by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Dr Azad Moopen and Alisha Moopen of Aster DM Healthcare. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also shared a heartfelt video message, commending the role of nurses as unsung heroes in global healthcare.
Ghana’s Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti took the top honor and $250,000 prize. But for Kenyans, Khadija’s recognition is a win that celebrates local innovation, compassion, and the life-saving power of timely action.
