In July and August, the Kids and Diabetes in Schools (KiDS) programme was launched in China through a series of summer camps. Three hospitals were venues for the half-day camps — one in Hangzhou and Shanghai, respectively, and two in Nanking — where 151 children and their families attended courses and shared learning experiences.

Figures released by the International Diabetes Federation in 2021 indicate that close to 56,000 people under the age of 19 live with type 1 diabetes in China.

The camp training provided psychological support for families of children with type 1 diabetes. A series of specialised sessions sought to enhance parent-child relationships and offer guidance for operating in a school environment. Children and parents alike felt empowered by the knowledge and tools acquired to help them navigate the emotional and relational challenges of diabetes.

The overwhelming majority of families were highly satisfied by the training and found that it could significantly enhance their quality of life.

The camps are part of a KiDS initiative to partner with national diabetes associations to support families of children with diabetes and reinforce the importance of national policies that address diabetes education and care in schools. They are made possible by a partnership between Sanofi China and the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation, a public welfare foundation in China, through the Sanofi China Charity Grant.

The grant aims to support people with diabetes and their families by providing psychological support, health education, and programmes for children and parents to ensure a smooth transition to school life. Over the next three years, grant activities are projected to reach 10,000 people.

In a show of commitment and dedication, more than 30 Sanofi volunteers dedicated over 248 hours to the programme to ensure its success.