Ghana launches “Kids and Diabetes in Schools” program to educate students about diabetes and promote healthy lifestyles.

The Ministry of Health and Ghana Education Service have partnered with pharmaceutical company Sanofi to launch the “Kids and Diabetes in Schools” (KiDS) program, aiming to educate schoolchildren, teachers, and parents about diabetes and promote healthy lifestyles. This initiative seeks to curb the rising cases of childhood diabetes in Ghana.

The program has three main objectives: to support children with type 1 diabetes in managing their condition confidently, to reduce stigma and discrimination in schools, and to prevent type 2 diabetes through education on healthy diets and lifestyles.

The program will start in 13 public schools, with teaching materials adapted to suit the Ghanaian context. Teacher training workshops will be conducted to facilitate seamless integration into the curriculum, beginning with the Greater Accra Region. The Ministry of Health has officially handed over the program to the Ghana Education Service and Ministry of Education for nationwide implementation.

Sanofi has trained 35 teachers to lead diabetes awareness efforts in schools and has supported Ghana’s diabetes response since 2023 by distributing national guidelines, donating equipment to four health facilities, mentoring 160 general practitioners, and enrolling over 240 healthcare professionals in international diabetes training.

The KiDS program is expected to reach approximately 7,700 children, parents, and teachers with educational materials. By promoting awareness and education, the initiative aims to reduce the risks associated with diabetes and improve the overall health of Ghana’s youth.

The program was launched on June 24, 2025, at the Ministry of Health, with officials from the Ministry of Health, Ghana Education Service, and representatives of Sanofi in attendance. The initiative is part of a wider national strategy to promote early education on non-communicable diseases and improve access to healthcare in areas where services remain limited.