The Ministry of Health (MoH) and Sanofi have officially launched the Kids and Diabetes in Schools (KiDS) Programme, aimed at raising awareness about diabetes and promoting healthy lifestyles among junior high school students, teachers, and parents across Ghana. The programme is part of the Affordable Access to Diabetes Care (AADC) initiative, which seeks to improve access to care for people living with diabetes in the country.
The KiDS Programme will initially be rolled out in 13 public schools, with educational materials localized to suit the Ghanaian context. These materials have been reviewed by relevant government and health agencies and will be integrated into school curricula through teacher training workshops. The programme’s three key focus areas are supporting children with type 1 diabetes to manage their condition confidently, reducing stigma and discrimination in schools, and preventing type 2 diabetes through healthy diets and lifestyle education.
The Ministry of Health has emphasized the urgent need to address the rising cases of type 1 and type 2 diabetes among schoolchildren. Dr. Ignatius Awinibuno, Director in charge of Allied Health at the Ministry, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that diabetes education reaches every corner of the country. The programme has been handed over to the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education for nationwide implementation.
Through the KiDS Programme, Sanofi and the Ministry of Health aim to provide education to 7,700 children, parents, and teachers. Additionally, 35 teachers have been trained to lead school-based diabetes awareness efforts. The programme is expected to promote healthy lifestyles and improve the management of diabetes among schoolchildren, with the potential to expand nationwide and make a significant impact on the lives of children living with or at risk of diabetes.
Sankofaonline
