In July, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in collaboration with the Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation (BCDF), launched a pilot of the Kids and Diabetes in Schools (KiDS) programme in Maharashtra, India.
The initiative, rolled out in more than ten schools across the state, introduces teachers, students, and caregivers to the new KiDS educational resources designed to strengthen diabetes awareness and improve support for children, families, and local communities.
BCDF is India’s largest diabetes organisation led by people living with the condition. It brings its nationwide experience in awareness raising, advocacy and empowerment for people living with diabetes and their caregivers to the project.
KiDS enters new phase
The Maharashtra pilot coincides with a global refresh of the KiDS programme, officially unveiled at the IDF World Diabetes Congress 2025 in April. Updates include a new branding and website, revised resources, and a practical Implementation Guide with lesson plans, interactive activities, and impact assessment tools to support schools in delivering KiDS sessions.
Through this new phase, IDF aims to translate KiDS’ global strategy into country-level action. The pilot in Maharashtra was selected in partnership with Sanofi India, marking a key step in expanding the programme across India.
Sanofi India first launched KiDS in Goa in 2018, and expanded to Uttar Pradesh in 2023.
This latest expansion comes against the backdrop of India’s growing diabetes burden. According to the International Diabetes Federation, India is home to 1 in 7 adults living with diabetes, with around 90 million people affected. This figure is projected to rise to 156 million by 2050. Over 300,000 children and adolescents in the country live with type 1 diabetes.
