The Kids and Diabetes in Schools (KiDS) programme has reached an important milestone, completing its 100th session with two activities held on 6 February 2026 at Shri Vasantrao Davkhare Memorial School in Shikrapur, India.
This milestone reflects the growing momentum of the KiDS initiative and its continued commitment to improving diabetes awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles in schools.
The first session welcomed 336 students in Grades 1 to 5, aged 6 to 11 years, with eight staff members participating.
During this session, the KiDS class plan was implemented, using age-appropriate materials to introduce children to:
- The importance of healthy eating.
- Staying active every day.
- Understanding what diabetes is in simple terms.
- Supporting classmates who may live with diabetes.
The session encouraged active participation, curiosity, and open discussion, helping younger students understand health concepts in an engaging and supportive environment.
A second session was held for 156 students in Grades 6 to 9, aged 11 to 15, with six staff members in attendance.
This group engaged in the KiDS Class Plan designed to provide deeper knowledge about:
- Diabetes prevention and risk factors.
- The role of nutrition and physical activity.
- Recognising symptoms.
- Reducing stigma and supporting peers.
Older students showed strong interest in understanding how lifestyle choices affect long-term health, making the session both informative and interactive.
Reaching the 100 sessions milestone demonstrates the KiDS programme’s expanding impact, its role in building healthier school environments and reflects increased engagement from schools, strong collaboration with educators, and a growing awareness of diabetes within school communities.
KiDS in India
In 2025, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in partnership with the Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation (BCDF), launched a KiDS pilot programme in Maharashtra, India, reaching more than ten schools to improve diabetes awareness and support for children, families, and educators. This expansion built on earlier KiDS efforts in India led by Sanofi India, which began in Goa in 2018 and later extended to Uttar Pradesh in 2023.
The KiDS initiative comes at a critical time as India faces a growing diabetes burden with the second-highest number of adults living with diabetes. In 2025, an estimated 90 million adults and over 300,000 children and adolescents were living with the condition. These numbers are projected to increase to 157 million by 2050.
Continuing the KiDS programme
The KiDS programme remains committed to strengthening diabetes awareness in schools, supporting children living with diabetes, promoting lifelong healthy habits, and partnering with educators to build informed and inclusive school communities.
As more schools take part, the programme continues to move closer to its goal of ensuring that every child has access to accurate health education and a supportive learning environment. Reaching 100 sessions is more than a milestone – it reflects hundreds of informed students, engaged teachers, and stronger school communities united in the pursuit of better health for all.
View and download KiDs educational resources.
