Diabetes advocate and YLD South-east Asia (SEA) Rep-elect

I believe that schools in the Maldives need to be more aware of diabetes management to better accompany pupils with the condition. A lot of children report discrimination and bullying at school, even hiding their condition to join in games and physical education.

To counter this situation, the Diabetes Society of the Maldives, the Ministry of Education and other public health sector organisations collaborate to raise awareness and fight stigma in schools and universities. One collaboration between the Diabetes Society of the Maldives, UNICEF and the Health Protection Agency was a training session for school health officers on preventing and managing type 1 diabetes. In addition, several diabetes awareness sessions and living with diabetes sessions have been held across the Maldives.

Diabetes educational initiatives can help children learn about diabetes, understand that people with diabetes can live regular lives and know the signs of diabetes for early detection.

To tackle diabetes stigma and promote healthy lifestyles, the government should incorporate more suitable modules and health-related issues into the education system and curriculum. These modules should educate and encourage students to value their health and participate in physical activities.