A Kenyan nurse has won the first ever global nursing award that has a prize of $250,000.

Anna Qabale Duba, who practices at Marsabit County Referral Hospital in northern Kenya, was honoured for her dedication towards eradicating harmful cultural practices like female genital mutilation in her community.

Ms Duba has also set up a foundation - Qabale Duba Foundation - aimed at empowering young girls.

"Through my organisation, I have built a unique school in my village that teaches both children and their parents, because for me education is key to a better future," Ms Duba said in her speech.

More than 24,000 nurses from 184 countries submitted their applications.

She was feted in Dubai at a ceremony held in commemoration of International Nurses Day.