St Christopher’s Nurse Leader Honoured with International Human Rights and Nursing Award 

Dr Halima Ibrahim Malik Ali, a nurse leader from Sudan who is helping to improve care and support for patients and communities in her home country, has been awarded a prestigious 2026 Human Rights and Nursing Award in recognition of her commitment to human rights, patient dignity and social advocacy.

The international award, presented in association with the journal Nursing Ethics, recognises nurses who champion human rights, advocate for vulnerable communities and drive positive change in healthcare, often in challenging and resource-limited settings.

Dr Halima was nominated by colleagues who highlighted her leadership, professional achievements and dedication to improving access to compassionate and equitable care. Following an international selection process, the Human Rights and Nursing Awards Selection Committee named her as one of this year’s recipients.

A distinguished community health nursing professional, Dr Halima served as Palliative Care Coordinator at Sudan’s National Cancer Institute between 2016 and 2023 and became Director of Hospice Port Sudan in 2024. She is a member of International Health Palliative Care (IHPC), the Global Palliative Care Organizations Network (GPON) and the Palliative Care Fellowship Program, and is a certified consultant in the global assessment and monitoring of palliative care programmes.

As part of the award, Dr Halima will receive international recognition alongside funding to support the continued development of her work, helping extend the impact of her project within local communities and beyond.

Dr Halima has a long-standing relationship with St Christopher’s through its international leadership and education programmes. She is an active member of the Global Palliative Nursing Network (GPNN), has previously taken part in a St Christopher’s leadership programme and this week begins St Christopher’s WHO-related leadership course after recently being selected to join the programme.

Dr Halima Ibrahim Malik Ali said: “Receiving an award that honours both human rights and nursing is incredibly meaningful to me. As a nurse from Sudan, I have seen firsthand the extraordinary dedication of healthcare professionals working in the most challenging circumstances, often overcoming conflict, shortages and limited resources to ensure patients receive the care and dignity they deserve.

This recognition is not only a personal honour but a tribute to the countless nurses in Sudan and around the world whose compassion, resilience and advocacy make a profound difference every day. Nursing has always been more than a profession to me. It is a commitment to standing alongside people at their most vulnerable and ensuring that every person is treated with dignity, respect and humanity.

I am especially proud that this award shines a light on the vital connection between healthcare and human rights. It renews my determination to continue supporting patients, championing equitable access to care, and helping to educate the next generation of nurses. I hope it serves as a reminder that even when the work may seem unseen, the impact nurses have on individuals, families and communities is truly life-changing.”

Marie Cooper, Senior Nurse Advisor at St Christopher’s, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Dr Halima has received this international recognition. Her commitment to improving care, advocating for patients’ rights and supporting communities in Sudan exemplifies the values at the heart of nursing. The fact that she was nominated by her peers from withing the GPNN and selected by an international judging panel makes this achievement particularly special. We are incredibly proud of all that she has accomplished and look forward to supporting her continued leadership journey.”

The award was formally presented at the International Nursing Ethics Conference at the University of Regina, Canada, on 27 and 28 August 2026, where nursing professionals, academics and healthcare leaders from around the world gathered to discuss ethical practice and celebrate excellence in nursing.

Dr Halima’s recognition shines a spotlight on the vital role nurses play in advancing dignity, equality and human rights and demonstrates the transformative impact of leadership and advocacy in healthcare across the globe.

The Human Rights and Nursing Awards are annual international honours presented in association with the journal Nursing Ethics. Established in 2001, the awards recognise nurses who demonstrate exceptional commitment to human rights, patient dignity and social advocacy. Recipients are nominated by colleagues and selected by a panel drawn from the Nursing Ethics Editorial Board. In addition to international recognition, award recipients receive financial support to help further their professional and humanitarian work.

Dr Halima Ibrahim Malik Ali is a community health nursing specialist and palliative care leader from Sudan. She served as Palliative Care Coordinator at the National Cancer Institute from 2016 to 2023 and has been Director of Hospice Port Sudan since 2024. She is a member of International Health Palliative Care (IHPC), the Global Palliative Care Organizations Network (GPON) and the Palliative Care Fellowship Program, and is a certified consultant in the global assessment and monitoring of palliative care programmes.