The initiative is part of the ‘Aster Volunteer’ global programme for Africa for the disaster support as part of “Aster@30” initiatives commemorating Aster DM Healthcare’s 30th anniversary year.
Aster Volunteers joined hands with Al Hayat Foundation humanitarian workers in Somalia, to support the ongoing relief efforts and aid in the safe distribution of over 150,000 meal packets to the famine affected and displaced Somalis at Buraco in Somaliland, in presence of their regional Vice Governor Mohammed Hayd.
The initiative is part of the ‘Aster Volunteer’ global programme for Africa for the disaster support as part of “Aster@30” initiatives commemorating Aster DM Healthcare’s 30th anniversary year. Aster partnered with Government of Dubai’s Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) earlier this year as part of Aster’s ongoing Give Back Initiative (GBI), to provide humanitarian aid and support the relief efforts in famine affected areas of Somalia, channelled through its ‘Aster Volunteers’ programme.
Commenting on the initiative Dr Azad Moopen, founder chairman and managing director of Aster DM Healthcare, said around three million people, an estimated one-quarter of Somalia’s population, are experiencing “acute food shortages at crisis or emergency levels as of June 2017”. A total of 363,000 children are suffering from malnutrition.
“Aster aspires to be a responsible member of the international community that hopes to do what we can to alleviate the suffering of those in less fortunate conditions than we are. The people of Somalia have long struggled with both violence and scarcity, and it is our honour and duty to assist them as we can.”
He stated that the Aster@30 initiative and the ‘Aster Volunteer’ programme are testimony to the efforts to empower individuals who want to make a positive difference in the society and extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. “I ask anyone who is willing and able to join us going forward so we can assist in the healing of others. We feel very happy and proud the food dispatched from Dubai soon after Ramadan days were distributed