The KiDS (Kids and Diabetes in Schools) programme is set to roll out in Korea following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Korea Health Education Forum and Sanofi Korea in May 2025. The MoU was signed during the launch of the “DangChan School (KiDS) Campaign”, a national initiative to promote diabetes awareness among adolescents.
The Korea Health Education Forum, a non-profit organisation composed of health teachers in the Korean public school system, will lead the development and implementation of the programme. The Forum is currently adapting global KiDS resources to align with the national curriculum in Korea. These materials will be used in middle and high school health education classes, with pilot sessions scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025.
In line with the KiDS curriculum, the lessons will focus on increasing diabetes awareness, promoting empathy toward peers living with the condition, and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.
Kay Bae, General Manager of Pharma MCO South Korea and Australia/New Zealand & MCO Lead, emphasised the programme’s long-term value:
“Healthy habits formed during adolescence have a lifelong impact, making early awareness of diabetes more important than ever. This partnership aims to promote understanding and inclusiveness among students, and to build a sustainable, school-based education programme. This MoU reflects Sanofi’s commitment to a healthier and more equitable future for the next generation.”
According to the latest International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas, the Western Pacific region—which includes Korea—had 215 million adults (approximately 1 in 8) living with diabetes in 2024, with this number projected to rise to 254 million by 2050. In Korea, an estimated 5 million adults are living with diabetes, with 3,647 children and adolescents under the age of 19 affected by type 1 diabetes. Without effective early education and prevention—especially among young people—the diabetes burden in Korea is expected to grow. Initiatives like the KiDS programme are central to promoting awareness, healthy habits and eliminating diabetes stigma.
Sanofi Korea will work closely with the Korea Health Education Forum to support the programme’s expansion and long-term sustainability nationwide.
This collaboration marks the official launch of the KiDS programme in Korea and reflects a shared commitment to advancing adolescent health through structured, school-based education.
