On 24 June, the Kids and Diabetes in Schools (KiDS) programme was officially launched in Ghana with a workshop organised by Sanofi, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The workshop introduced 35 selected teachers to the aims and tools of the programme, which will be implemented across the country.
This is the first roll-out of KiDS in the IDF Africa region. According to the latest International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas, the region faces a major public health challenge. Despite having the lowest number of people with diabetes of all IDF regions – 24.6 million in 2024 – this number is estimated to reach 60 million by 2050, the highest projected increase of all IDF regions. In Ghana, there are currently an estimated 317,000 people living with diabetes, with this figure projected to increase by almost 155% to over 800,000 by 2050.
The implementation of KiDS in Ghana is part of a three-year Memorandum of Understanding between Sanofi and the Ministry of Health, signed in April 2023. The training of teachers is at the heart of the implementation, recognising the essential role they play in promoting health and well-being among schoolchildren. The workshop equipped educators with educational tools and resources to help increase understanding of diabetes risk factors, symptoms, complications and daily management. Further workshops are planned for children, parents of children who live with diabetes, and other parents to help foster healthy lifestyle habits and improve awareness of diabetes prevention.
“We are glad to see that the KiDS partnership’s implementation is effective with a concrete programme and action plan. Managing type 1 diabetes can be especially challenging for children, who may experience stigma and disruptions to their education and mental well-being. Schools play a crucial role in providing support and promoting healthy behaviours.” Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health, Ghana
“We are proud to work alongside the Ministry of Health in implementing the KiDS programme in Ghana. Our continued partnership with the International Diabetes Federation and the International Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Diabetes reflects our long-standing commitment to diabetes care and our vision for a healthier future for all children.” Stephane Gokou, Sanofi General Medicines Affordable Strategy Lead
Since the signing of the MoU, several initiatives have been conducted. A mentorship programme for 160 general practitioners saw a 98% completion rate, while 240 nurses, pharmacists and dieticians are currently receiving diabetes education training from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Additionally, preparations are underway for a third phase of healthcare provider mentorship, and a digital patient support platform is being developed to enhance education and alleviate the workload of healthcare professionals.
