The Florence Nightingale Medal was established by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1912, in honour of Florence Nightingale, the renowned pioneer of modern nursing. It is the highest international distinction in the nursing profession, recognizing nurses and nursing aides who demonstrate exceptional courage and devotion to people affected by armed conflict or natural disasters, as well as exemplary service or a pioneering spirit in public health or nursing education.
The origins of the medal can be traced to the 8th International Conference of the Red Cross, held in London in 1907, where the Hungarian Red Cross proposed establishing an international fund and commemorative medal in recognition of Florence Nightingale’s outstanding contribution to nursing and the care of the wounded and sick. This proposal laid the foundation for the award, which was formally established following the decision of the 9th International Conference in Washington in 1912.
The first Florence Nightingale Medals were awarded on 12 May 1920, the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. The medal is normally awarded every two years, with recipients announced by the ICRC on 12 May, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Originally, the medal could be awarded only to women; following an amendment to the regulations in 1991, men and women are equally eligible for the award.
The medal represents international recognition of exceptional dedication to nursing and humanitarian service. It honours those who demonstrate courage, compassion, leadership and an unwavering commitment to caring for people affected by armed conflict, disasters and other humanitarian crises, while contributing to the advancement of nursing, public health and humanitarian care.
Major Daw Khin Ohn Mya
Matron / Senior Nursing Officer | 1963
Major Daw Khin Ohn Mya (Retired), a senior nursing officer, became the first nurse from Myanmar to receive the Florence Nightingale Medal in 1963. Her recognition reflected a distinguished career of courageous nursing service during some of the most difficult periods in Myanmar’s history. During the Second World War, she assisted in the evacuation and care of displaced people and provided nursing care to wounded members of the Burma Independence Army. During the resistance against the Japanese occupation, she also served with military medical units and cared for wounded and sick personnel. Earlier ICRC records describe her exceptional courage and dedication in providing continuous care to patients despite air raids and enemy action. Her service represents an enduring example of courage, compassion and devotion to nursing and humanitarian service.
Daw M Yaw Nam
Senior Nursin Officer | 1993
Daw M. Yaw Nam, a senior nursing officer, received the Florence Nightingale Medal in 1993 in recognition of her courageous nursing service. She devoted herself to caring for wounded soldiers as well as civilians affected by conflict, providing essential nursing care in difficult and dangerous circumstances. Her willingness to continue serving people in need despite personal risk demonstrated the courage, compassion and professional dedication that the Florence Nightingale Medal seeks to recognize. Her contribution forms an important part of Myanmar’s history of humanitarian nursing and reflects the vital role of health-care workers in protecting life and alleviating suffering during times of crisis.
Daw Thein Yee
Midwife | 2001
Daw Thein Yee, a midwife, received the Florence Nightingale Medal in 2001 in recognition of an exceptional act of courage. While in Phaungbyin, Sagaing Region, she risked her own safety to rescue an eight-year-old child from a house that was on fire. Her courageous action went beyond the ordinary responsibilities of her profession and demonstrated a profound commitment to protecting life. Through her bravery, compassion and readiness to help a person in immediate danger, she exemplified the humanitarian spirit and devotion to humanity represented by the Florence Nightingale Medal.
U Sa Naing Naing Tun
Senior Nurse | 2015
U Sa Naing Naing Tun, a senior nurse, received the Florence Nightingale Medal in 2015 in recognition of his dedicated service in disaster situations and public health. His humanitarian nursing service included caring for patients and injured people during emergencies and providing emergency maternity care. His work during the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis demonstrated the vital role of nurses in responding to disasters, protecting health and providing essential care to affected communities. The ICRC officially recognized him as a registered nurse active in disaster situations and public health. His recognition reflects his commitment to nursing, humanitarian service and the protection of life in times of crisis.