MoPH implements ‘KiDS Diabetes Awareness Programme’ in schools

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced the implementation of ‘KiDS Diabetes Awareness’ (KiDS) programme in several schools in Qatar, in co-operation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Sanofi.This came during an event held at Maryam Bint Omran Primary School for Girls, in the presence of representatives from the ministries and Sanofi. The main objective of KiDS programme is to raise awareness in schools about the prevention of type I diabetes and how to manage it, with a focus on the risk factors associated with type II diabetes. It is estimated that 10% of patients with diabetes in Mena region currently have type 1 diabetes, the most prevalent disease among children. The programme seeks to educate students, teachers and parents about diabetes and its risk factors, in line with the theme of the World Diabetes Day "Education to Protect Tomorrow," where diabetics need to receive continuous education to properly manage the disease.Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani, director of Public Health Department at MoPH, said: "Schools are an important setting for innovative diabetes prevention and management for children. They can advocate for and support children with diabetes by understanding their monitoring and treatment needs, assisting with appropriate food choices, promoting physical activity, among other considerations. "KiDS Diabetes Awareness Programme in schools” will involve teachers, school staff, students, family members, and healthcare providers and will invite them to work together in collaboration with MoPH and key partners."Mohamed al-Maraghi, director of the Health and Safety Department at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, said the initiative will contribute to providing a supportive environment for children with diabetes, provide guidance on diabetes management and help students in schools understand the risk factors, symptoms and complications associated with diabetes through the use of a number of educational strategies and learning resources. Dr Kholoud Ateeq K M al-Motawaa, head of Non-Communicable Diseases, head of the Diabetes Programme, and co-chair of the National Diabetes Committee at MoPH, said: "The strategic pillar of patient empowerment within National Diabetes Strategy in Qatar aims to help patients with diabetes to self-manage their disease, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and improve their overall health. Daily insulin injections, routine blood sugar self-monitoring, healthy diet, and physical activity are essential to controlling type one diabetes.”The KiDS Diabetes Awareness Programme was launched in 2013 by the International Diabetes Federation, the International Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Diabetes and Sanofi. The KiDS booth provides a range of educational activities, where children, parents and teachers can participate in various educational activities.