On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, the Ministry of Health & Prevention in partnership with the Ministry of Education, and supported by Sanofi, released the 'Kids and Diabetes in Schools' (KiDS) program. The program aims to raise awareness and enhance understanding of diabetes, while highlighting the duty of the family and society in engaging students in health care awareness programs and fostering a helpful school environment for children with diabetes to efficiently handle 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 motivate kids in schools to adopt a healthy way of life, and raise awareness among members of society on unhealthy practices while supplying a positive environment that assists diabetic patients cope well with the condition. Our purpose is to attain the Ministry's technique to enhance healthy way of life habits in the UAE society, and limit lifestyle related diseases in line with the effort to combat non communicable illness."

Dr. Al Rand likewise added that the Ministry considers students as a main top priority while preparation and carrying out diabetes awareness programs in partnership with health and education authorities throughout the school year. "We are pleased to collaboratively deal with the International Diabetes Federation and Sanofi to initiating the 'KiDs Program', as part of the Ministry's goals to encourage a healthy and sustainable environment through effective programs and partnerships on a local and global level to accomplish the UAE Vision 2021 for healthcare."

"Diabetes as a condition can impact the wellness of the entire family especially when there is inadequate awareness on ways to cope with the condition in a manner that guarantees a delighted and healthy life. Through this program, the Ministry of Education is working to supplying information and resources to assist every kid, and every family in the UAE to be mindful about diabetes and cope with it. Whether one is a moms and dad, brother or sister or member of the family, appropriate support and understanding can make a big difference in the lives of children and their family ." 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 Avoidance, expressed that the program aims to construct a supportive school environment for the effective management of diabetes among students and gear up parents, nurses and teacher in schools to cope with diabetes. This will occur over a duration of one year through organizing workshops in 12 schools in the UAE as part of the first stage. Trainees will learn about diabetes through interactive training materials, such as comics, animation 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 to adding to the growth of healthy societies. As part of our commitment to make sure higher diabetes awareness and look after patients, the 'KiDs Program' will assist students and children by constructing a support system of nurses, teachers and parents. The efforts are being supplemented with innovative tools and activities to nurture a safe and reliable sphere of look after diabetes management," stated Jean-Paul Scheuer, Country Chair and General Supervisor for Sanofi Gulf.