DOHA: Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA), a member of Qatar Foundation, in collaboration with Sasol Qatar, has introduced new educational tools intended to reduce the fear and anxiety often associated with diabetes in young children.
Custom-made for QDA, Salem and Sarah are plush characters developed to provide educational support and comfort for children living with type 1 diabetes in Qatar and across the region; an initiative that supports Qatar Foundation in its mission to be a catalyst for change by leveraging its experiences, knowledge and capabilities, officials said at a press conference yesterday.
The 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. 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. Through the use of these playful learning tools, Sarah and Salem will also raise awareness of the various lifestyle changes that children living with diabetes, and their families, will have to face.
Dr Abdulla Al Hamaq, Executive Director of Qatar Diabetes Association, said: “We thank Sasol for their leadership and support, ensuring that this important initiative reaches and impacts the children who need it.
Sasol is an international integrated energy and chemical company that leverages the talent and expertise of more than 35,000 people working in 37 countries. Sasol develops and commercialises technologies, and builds and operates world-scale facilities to produce a range of product streams, including liquid fuels, chemicals and electricity.
The Peninsula
