The Ministry of Health (MoH) started a program yesterday to address the growing number of diabetes cases among children and teens in Accra.
The “Kids and Diabetes in Schools (KiDS) Programme” is an important part of a larger Affordable Access to Diabetes Care (AADC) initiative.
To help with this effort, Sanofi Ghana, a French pharmaceutical company in the country, has provided essential teaching materials to the MOH for distribution to the Ghana Education Service (GES). This aims to raise awareness about various topics, such as obesity, dieting, diabetes, and overall wellness.
During the launch, Dr. Hafez Adam-Taher, the Director of Technical Coordination at the MoH, stated that this initiative “is not just a health initiative but an intervention in Ghana’s future, serving as a catalyst for equipping schools, teachers, and students with the knowledge and tools to prevent diabetes, support those living with it, and reduce stigma through inclusive and informed learning.”
He mentioned that experts from the MoH, GES, Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the Diabetes Endocrine and Metabolic Society of Ghana reviewed the educational materials to ensure they are accurate, culturally relevant, and effective.
Furthermore, he noted that a workshop would be held for teachers from selected schools in the Greater Accra Region to help them use the materials and integrate them smoothly into the curriculum.
Dr. Ignatius Awinibuno, the Director for Allied Health at MoH, representing the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasized that the program is a united effort to combat diabetes and protect the health of children in the country.
He mentioned that the program is based on three main pillars: providing support for children with type one diabetes to help them manage their condition; reducing stigma and discrimination; and preventing type two diabetes by promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and positive lifestyle choices among children.
Dr. Awinibuno further clarified that the initiative would start in 13 chosen public schools across the country; however, there are plans to expand the program nationwide.
He encouraged all stakeholders, including parents and students, to support the initiative to empower children with diabetes to make informed health and well-being choices.
The Director of the School Health Education Programme (SHEP), Theresa Oppong Mensah, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating that it addresses the lack of awareness, education, and support for children with or at risk of diabetes in schools.
She mentioned that the materials being launched would provide over 7,000 children, teachers, and parents with age-appropriate and life-saving information about diabetes, including what it is, how to prevent it, and how to support children living with it.
Mrs. Mensah thanked the Ministry of Health, Sanofi, and all partners for this opportunity.
The Medical Director at Sanofi SSA, Dr. Ardilles Adopo, highlighted Sanofi’s dedication to ensuring that no child or adult is defined or limited by diabetes.
He added that their goal is to ensure that everyone living with diabetes has the opportunity to lead a full, healthy, and vibrant life.
“This belief drives their partnership with Uganda’s Ministry of Health and fuels their commitment to the Ancestor Diabetes Project,” he stated.
By Philip Antoh