Dubai-based Aster DM Healthcare, a leading healthcare enterprise in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, has announced the launch of the ‘Aster Volunteers’ programme as part of the milestone ‘Aster @30’ campaign marking its 30th anniversary.

In line with the declaration of 2017 as the Year of Giving by UAE President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the programme reinforces the comhpany’s commitment to supporting the communities it serves and recognises volunteerism as a key pillar of giving.

The multi-layered initiative targets communities in the Middle East, Africa, India and Philippines, and aims to address key challenges that will help make a positive difference in society, said a statement from Aster DM Healthcare.

The programme seeks to bridge the gap between people who would like to help with those in need, across the nine markets that the company operates in through a web portal platform, it added.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Azad Moopen, founder chairman and managing director, said: "We want to renew our commitment of giving back to society and support the growth of communities. The initiative and the programme are testimony to our effort to empower individuals who want to make a positive difference in the society and extend a helping hand to the less fortunate."

“During the holy month, we call-upon everyone to join us on this global journey of providing a healing touch to those in need by enrolling on online,” he added.

Aster DM Healthcare also announced signing an agreement with the Government of Dubai’s Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) to offer humanitarian aid to those affected by drought and famine in Somalia.

It will also provide medical support to the Syrian refugees settled in Al Zaatari, Al Azraq and Erbid refugee camps in Jordan through the deployment of its volunteers as per the guidelines of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

All Aster@30 activities will run simultaneously throughout the year across the Middle East, Africa and India, driving participation from local volunteers in each market where Aster has a presence- UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, India and Philippines, it added. – TradeArabia News Service