The fifth edition engaged nearly 32,000 participants globally in a month-long campaign from
World Heart Day, September 29, to October 28, 2025.
Aster DM Foundation and associated hospitals pledged free pediatric heart surgeries for
atleast 50 underprivileged children, bringing the cumulative total to atleast 214 surgeries
over a span of four years.

Aster Volunteers donated towards the cause, while participants supported it through
walking and fitness challenges, with contributions linked to every 10,000 steps or equivalent
calories burned, promoting heart health awareness.

Aster Volunteers, the global CSR arm of Aster DM Healthcare, successfully
concluded the fifth edition of ‘Heart2Heart Cares 2025’, a program spanning the GCC and India,
promoting heart health and providing life-saving support to underprivileged children in need of
pediatric heart surgery.

This year’s campaign saw an overwhelming nearly 32,000 global volunteer registrations, with
participants engaging in walking and fitness activities to promote heart health for children.

Registrants committed to activities such as walking 10,000 steps daily or burning an equivalent
number of calories, protecting their heart health, raising awareness and support for the cause.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said,

"Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, accounting for over 17.9 million
deaths annually, about 31% of all deaths. 1 Congenital heart disease (CHD), which affects 1 in 100
newborns, is the most common birth defect worldwide. 2 For children born in countries with access
to quality pediatric heart care, survival and a healthy life are possible. Sadly, for 90% of children born
with CHD, treatment is either unavailable or unaffordable in their home countries. 3 Through
Heart2Heart Cares 2025, we are proud to extend our support to atleast 50 more children, in addition
to the 164 free surgeries conducted over the past three years, continuing our mission to save young
lives and give them a chance to thrive."

Through the ‘Heart2Heart Cares 2025’ initiative, Aster Volunteers is empowering communities to
improve their fitness while supporting those in need. The campaign commenced on World Heart
Day, September 29, 2025, and ran for a month until October 28, 2025, encouraging individuals to
register online at heart2heart.astervolunteers.com and commit to the walk. The campaign witnessed
remarkable engagement, predominantly from India and the GCC regions. Over the course of the
month, volunteers committed to walking 10,000 steps daily or performing equivalent fitness
activities, demonstrating their dedication to personal health and to welfare of underprivileged
children facilitated by Aster Volunteers through the Aster DM Foundation.

1 https://americanheartcenterdubai.com/heart-disease-cause-of-death-worldwide/
2 https://childrensheartlink.org/about/about-congenital-heart-disease/
3 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6406635/

The closing event held in Dubai was a vibrant and joyous occasion, featuring cultural performances,
entertainment activities, and interactive experiences that highlighted the importance of healthy
living. Participants who completed the highest number of steps during the one-month campaign as
well as on the day of the finale, were recognized and awarded for their outstanding contributions,
celebrating the spirit of collective effort and compassion.

Through this initiative, Aster DM Foundation and its associated hospitals will continue to provide
free pediatric cardiac surgeries for atleast 50 children, furthering the organization’s commitment to
making quality healthcare accessible to all.