Ministry of Health & Prevention in partnership with Ministry of Education launches the ‘KiDs Program' to educate school children, parents and nurses on diabetes in the UAE

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 14 November 2016:  On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, the Ministry of Health & Prevention in partnership with the Ministry of Education, and supported by Sanofi, launched the ‘Kids and Diabetes in Schools’ (KiDS) program.  The program aims to raise awareness and improve understanding of diabetes, while highlighting the responsibility of the family and society in engaging students in healthcare awareness programs and fostering a supportive school environment for children with diabetes to effectively manage their condition. 

H.E. Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Health Centers and Clinics and Public Health said, “Through this project we aim to encourage children in schools to adopt a healthy lifestyle, and raise awareness among members of society on unhealthy habits while providing a positive environment that helps diabetic patients cope well with the condition. Our purpose is to achieve the Ministry’s strategy to enhance the adoption of healthy practices in the UAE, and limit lifestyle related diseases in line with the initiative to combat non communicable diseases.”

Dr. Al Rand also added that the Ministry considers students as a main priority while planning and executing diabetes awareness programs in partnership with health and education authorities throughout the school year. “We are pleased to collaboratively work with the International Diabetes Federation and Sanofi towards initiating the ‘KiDs Program’, as part of the Ministry’s objectives to encourage a healthy and sustainable environment through effective programs and partnerships on a local and international level to achieve the UAE Vision 2021 for healthcare.”

“Diabetes as a condition can affect the well-being of the whole family especially when there is not enough awareness on how to deal with the condition in a manner that ensures a happy and healthy life. Through this program, the Ministry of Education is working towards providing information and resources to help every child, and every family in the UAE to be aware about diabetes. Whether one is a parent, sibling or family member, proper support and understanding can make a big difference in the lives of children and their families.” expressed Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Care and Activities Sector at the Ministry of Education.

Dr. Najla Hussain Sajwani, Head of School Health Section at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, stated that the program aims to build a supportive school environment for the effective management of diabetes among students and equip parents, nurses as well as educators with the right information. This will take place over a period of one year through organizing workshops in 12 schools in the UAE as part of the first phase. Students will learn about diabetes through interactive training materials, such as comics, cartoon characters, activity sheets, competitions, and educational videos. 

“At Sanofi, we are honored to work in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and the Ministry of Education towards contributing to the growth of healthy societies. As part of our commitment to ensure higher diabetes awareness and care for patients, the ‘KiDs Program’ will help students and children by building a support system of nurses, teachers and parents. The efforts are being supplemented with innovative tools and activities to nurture a safe and effective sphere of care for diabetes management,” said Jean-Paul Scheuer, Country Chair and General Manager for Sanofi Gulf.