Sustainable AASTMT

Health and Wellbeing Services

Health and Wellbeing Services Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) www.aast.edu

AASTMT operates a comprehensive duty-of-care framework across all campuses. On-campus clinics, a dedicated hospital, nutrition programmes, reproductive health services, and mental wellbeing support are available to all students, staff, and the wider community, free of charge or at heavily subsidized rates.

1	Healthy and Affordable Food Choices on Campus

AASTMT ensures that nutritious, affordable food is available to all members of the campus community across every branch, with no profit motive applied to student meal pricing.

Campus Food Outlets and Pricing

• On-campus outlets including the Brazilian Coffee Restaurant and affiliated canteens offer meals at 5% to 30% discounted rates compared to external food vendors.
• Full-scholarship students receive free meals under a dedicated support arrangement.
• Competitive tenders are held regularly to prioritize local and seasonal suppliers, keeping costs low and freshness high.
• No profit margin is applied to student meal pricing, reflecting an institutional commitment to affordable nutrition.

 

Menu Design and Dietary Inclusion

• Balanced menus are prepared with locally sourced ingredients, incorporating a variety of proteins, complex carbohydrates, and fresh produce.
• Dietary options include vegan, vegetarian, low-fat, whole grain, and allergen-sensitive choices.
• The Nourishing Hope programme collects and redistributes surplus food on campus to reduce waste and support food equity.

 

Nutrition Education

• Regular nutrition education sessions are delivered on campus to promote healthy habits, food literacy, and an understanding of the relationship between diet and academic performance.
• Health campaigns such as the '100 Days of Health' initiative include dedicated nutrition awareness activities.
• The College of Pharmacy delivers a Specialized Diploma in Nutrition in Healthcare, equipping graduates to provide nutrition advice to vulnerable populations.

 

2	Access to Physical Health-Care Services

 

AASTMT operates on-campus medical clinics across all its branches and is affiliated with the Arab Academy Hospital, a fully equipped independent medical institution. Medical services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to students and staff.

On-Campus Clinics

• 24/7 on-campus clinics are staffed with general practitioners and medical specialists at all branches, including Abu Qir (Alexandria), Smart Village, and El-Alamein.
• Medical specialties available on campus include internal medicine, gynecology, dermatology, cardiology, ENT, pediatrics, ophthalmology, dental care, and surgery.
• Free or subsidized access to nutrition counseling, medical laboratory testing, and pharmacy dispensing is available to all students and staff.
• Medical clinic services are embedded within student accommodation, with specialist availability around the clock at residential campuses.

clinic Medical Services Department - AASTMT

Arab Academy Hospital

The Arab Academy Hospital operates as an affiliated full-service healthcare institution with 12 specialized clinics, over 50 doctors, and accredited international standards.

Service / Programme	Details
Cardiology Clinic	Diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions using advanced technology and personalized treatment plans.
Radiology Department	Advanced imaging technology with experienced radiologists delivering accurate, timely diagnostic results.
Children's Clinic	Pediatric care for infants, children, and adolescents in a family-centered environment.
Internal Medicine	Comprehensive care for adult patients with a wide range of medical conditions.
Women and Obstetrics	Comprehensive and personalized care for women at every stage of life.
Surgery Clinic	Expert surgical consultations and post-operative care.
Dermatology Clinic	Diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions for all ages.
Eye Clinic	Vision health, eye disease diagnosis, vision correction, and surgical consultations.

 

Health Education and Awareness Campaigns

• Monthly medical bulletins and health awareness campaigns educate students and staff on preventive care and common illnesses.
• The '100 Days of Health' campaign covers breast cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular health across public and campus spaces.
• Cervical Screening Awareness Week provides information and access to screening for female students and staff.
• First Aid Awareness Training sessions are organized in partnership with the Egyptian Red Crescent, equipping students with emergency response skills.
• Smoke-Free Campus campaigns are run regularly, aligned with AASTMT's institutional non-smoking policy.
• Full Medical Screening Days and Dental Health Convoys are organized periodically, providing free comprehensive check-ups to students, staff, and local communities.
• Diabetes Awareness Campaigns are organized under SDG 3 initiatives, including blood sugar testing and lifestyle education.

 

Medical Convoys and Community Health

• In partnership with the Alexandria Health Directorate and affiliated hospitals, AASTMT organizes 20 or more medical convoys per year, serving rural clinics in locations including Marsa Matrouh, Al-Amiriya, Al-Galaa, and Kafr El-Dawar.
• The Kafr El-Dawar convoy (College of Pharmacy, Alamein Branch), organized with Al-Mowasat Hospital, examined more than 850 patients, conducted over 180 medical tests, and dispensed more than 800 free prescriptions in a single day.
• Blood donation drives and plasma awareness campaigns are run by EPSF-AAST student organizations throughout the academic year.

 

 

Partnerships with Health Institutions

• AASTMT maintains active memoranda of agreement with leading hospitals and healthcare institutions, providing students with supervised clinical training and enabling collaborative health outreach.
• The College of Medicine is engaged in international clinical training partnerships in Germany, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the USA.
• The Pharmacovigilance Workshop, organized in partnership with the Saudi German Hospital and the Egyptian Drug Authority, advances medication safety literacy among pharmacy students and healthcare professionals.

 

3	Sexual and Reproductive Health-Care Services

 

AASTMT provides a robust sexual and reproductive health framework for students and staff, combining clinical services with education and awareness programmes. These services are delivered confidentially and are aimed at reducing stigma and promoting informed decision-making.

 

Clinical Services

• Accessible gynecology and obstetrics care is available through on-campus clinics and the Arab Academy Hospital Women and Obstetrics Department.
• Confidential consultations and guidance are provided on menstrual health, contraception, STIs, and reproductive choices.
• The hospital Women's Department offers personalized care for women at every stage of life, from adolescence through pregnancy and beyond.

 

Education and Awareness Campaigns

• HIV/AIDS Awareness Days are organized to educate students on transmission, prevention, and available support, aligned with SDG 3.3.
• Anti-FGM Campaigns are recognized internationally by IFMSA (International Federation of Medical Students' Associations) and involve student-led outreach to surrounding communities.
• Cervical Cancer Screening workshops provide practical guidance on the importance of regular screening and early detection.
• Period Poverty Awareness initiatives and menstrual hygiene education programmes address the needs of female students across campuses.
• Eating Disorder Awareness Workshops are organized to address body image, disordered eating, and support pathways, particularly relevant to student mental and physical health.

 

These services empower students with informed choices while reducing stigma around reproductive health topics. All clinical services are delivered in confidence, and education sessions are facilitated by licensed medical professionals and certified specialists.

 

National HIV Day 

 

4	Mental Health Support for Students and Staff

 

AASTMT recognizes mental well-being as integral to academic success and institutional health. A dedicated mental health infrastructure is in place for both students and staff, delivered through the Deanery of Student Affairs, the Health and Well-being Team, and the Accessibility Centre.

 

4a. Mental Health Support for Students

Clinical and Therapeutic Services

• Behavioral and cognitive therapy is provided through the Deanery of Student Affairs at all campuses, delivered by licensed specialist counselors.
• Family counseling services are available for students dealing with home-related stress, bereavement, or interpersonal conflict.
• Group awareness sessions address shared mental health challenges in an accessible, peer-supported environment.
• The Accessibility Centre (Alexandria) includes dedicated Counseling and Mental Health staff working alongside welfare advisers and disability support officers.
• The on-campus Medical Services Department operates free professional support for emotional, psychological, and mental health concerns.

 

Awareness Events and Educational Initiatives

• World Suicide Prevention Day events are organized annually to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and connect students with support resources.
• Mental Health and Burnout Workshops are delivered at multiple campuses, including through the College of Medicine Summer Camp.
• Emotional Intelligence and Toxic Relationships Seminars are provided as part of broader student wellbeing programming.
• The 'Self-Confidence Skills and Effective Communication' lecture is organized through the Deanship of Student Affairs for general student wellbeing.
• El-Alamein Branch organizes a dedicated 'Take Care of Your Mental Health' workshop on World Mental Health Day (10 October each year).
• CLC hosted Dr. Jaidaa Mekky (Professor of Neurology, Alexandria University) for a session on mental health and depression management, and certified mindfulness coach Ms. Cariene Abdel Aziz for stress management and relaxation techniques.
• The 'Mind Matters: Boosting Well-being with Mindfulness Techniques' seminar, delivered by a certified life coach, is offered to students each semester.
• AASTMT students participated in an international Mental Health Essentials Workshop hosted by UMF Iuliu Hatzieganu University in Romania as part of the College of Medicine global engagement programme.

 

4b. Mental Health Support for Staff

Institutional Provision

• Mental health services for staff are embedded within the Health and Well-being Team and are available free of charge under AASTMT's health insurance coverage.
• The Faculty Development Center delivers targeted workshops for academic and administrative staff including Compassionate Communication, Stress Reduction Techniques, and Emotional Management, led by licensed psychiatrists and wellness experts.
• All staff mental health services are integrated with AASTMT's institutional insurance coverage.

 

All mental health services for both students and staff are provided free of charge or included within AASTMT's health insurance framework. The institution maintains a confidential, stigma-free approach to mental health support across all campuses.

Programs & Awareness Workshops 

Emotional Intelligence in Education

Enhancing Workplace Productivity through Mental Health Awareness

 

 

5	Sports, Recreational Facilities and Active Wellbeing

 

Physical activity and active campus life are treated as components of holistic wellbeing at AASTMT. Sports facilities and recreational programmes are shared with local communities where possible.

 

• Sports Days are organized across campuses, with participation in padel, football, basketball, and other team sports, managed by the Sports Affairs Department and student unions.
• Shared sports facilities support community use beyond the student body, in alignment with AASTMT's SDG 3 commitment to promoting health-supporting physical activity.
• The AASTMT Student Affairs Deanery manages cultural, social, and sports activities to support the physical and psychological development of students alongside their academic studies.
• Student clubs including AYB, AIESEC, and Enactus run physical and community wellbeing activities throughout the academic year.
• The Alexandria International Marathon received media coverage and participation coordination from AASTMT students, supporting SDG 3 through health promotion.

 

The Academy organized the Modern Pentathlon Championship (Under 17) at the main branch in Abu Qir 

 

✓	Summary of Health and Wellbeing Services

 

Service Area	Key Provisions	Beneficiaries	SDGs
Nutrition and Food	Subsidized meals (5-30% off), free meals for scholars, vegan/allergen menus, Nourishing Hope redistribution, nutrition education sessions	Students, Staff	SDG 2, 3
Physical Health Care	24/7 on-campus clinics, 12-clinic affiliated hospital, 8+ medical specialties, free lab and pharmacy access, 20+ medical convoys/year	Students, Staff, Community	SDG 3
Health Education	100 Days of Health, cervical screening, first aid training, medical bulletins, smoke-free campaigns, diabetes awareness days	Students, Staff	SDG 3
Reproductive Health	Gynecology and obstetrics care, HIV/AIDS awareness, anti-FGM campaigns (IFMSA), cervical cancer screening, period poverty awareness	Students (all genders)	SDG 3, 5
Mental Health (Students)	Behavioral and cognitive therapy, family counseling, suicide prevention events, mindfulness seminars, burnout workshops, Accessibility Centre	Students	SDG 3
Mental Health (Staff)	Health and Well-being Team support, Faculty Development Center workshops, compassionate communication, stress reduction, all free under insurance	Staff	SDG 3
Sports and Recreation	Campus sports facilities, Sports Days, student club activities, community facility sharing, marathon engagement	Students, Community	SDG 3