QDA-Sasol Launch New Initiative for Diabetic Children

Doha, September 28 (QNA) - Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), and Sasol, an integrated energy and chemical company, Sunday jointly launched soft toys to educate and cheer up diabetic children. Speaking today at a media conference in Doha, QDA and Sasol officials said, "Salem and Sarah (soft toys) are characters developed for QDA to provide educational support and comfort for children living with Type 1 diabetes in Qatar" The soft toys initiative supports Qatar Foundation's mission to be a catalyst for change by leveraging its experiences, knowledge and capabilities, officials said. The soft toys contain a hidden, zipped compartment on their back where children can keep their diabetic testing equipment, and each toy is accompanied with a backpack and video. Mascots Salem and Sarah have clear injection sites on their arms, legs, and stomach. QDA Executive Director Dr Abdulla Al Hamaq said, "We have been working on creating educational programmes that provide support to children with Type 1 diabetes. We are very grateful that Sasol and The Art of Business brought this idea, as well as offered us the financial support to create these mascots." Replying to a Qatar News Agency (QNA) question on whether the prevalence of diabetes has decreased in Qatar, Dr Al Hamaq said, "In fact it has increased. The QDA endeavours to educate children as well as adults on diabetes condition and how to deal with it through such programmes." Making changes to lifestyle habits and adopting healthy diet are critical, he said. On the causes of this metabolic disease where blood sugar levels remain high for long, Dr Al Hamaq said, "There are divergent views on what causes Type I diabetes. Some experts say it is due to genetic factors, other say it is due to environment. Scientists are focusing on stem cell research for a breakthrough in the causes." Commenting on the project, Sasol President Marjo Louw said, "We are committed to help support individuals facing challenges to reach their ambitions. I hope these toys help children and their families in coping with the diagnosis, providing useful information, and improving their ability to enjoy life's pleasures. Hope and joy are integral in helping children tackle health challenges." Diabetes is a condition that children may find hard to understand. Salem and Sarah are fun, light-hearted character mascots that aim to bring diabetes and its treatment to an approachable and comprehensible level, QDA said. Around 1,000 plush toys will be used in QDA camps for children with diabetes, as well as distributed through the Newly Diagnosed Programme in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation, officials added. (QNA)