Qatar Tourism partners with Diabetes Association to enhance safety of diabetic children

QATAR— Qatar Tourism, in partnership with the Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA), recently held a workshop to improve the safety and accessibility of amusement parks and entertainment facilities for children with diabetes.

This project demonstrates Qatar’s dedication to providing a safe and supportive environment for all children, particularly those with chronic diseases such as diabetes.

The program, delivered by Ms. Katie Nahas, Programs Manager at the Qatar Diabetes Association, was themed “Children with Diabetes in Public Places and Entertainment Cities.”

 Its primary focus was on raising awareness among amusement park officials and staff about the unique challenges faced by children with diabetes and developing sustainable solutions to address these issues.

The session provided a comprehensive overview of the rights of children with diabetes, as well as the standards set by the QDA for recreational facilities in partnership with Qatar Tourism.

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in discussions about implementing practical measures to ensure the safety and well-being of children with diabetes in entertainment settings.

One of the key objectives was to ensure that these children can enjoy their childhood experiences without compromising their health or safety.

 The workshop concluded with a robust Q&A segment, during which the 41 attendees could seek clarification and ask pertinent questions, which representatives from the QDA thoroughly addressed.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Mohamed Al Ansari, Director of Tourism Licensing at Qatar Tourism, emphasized the importance of such partnerships in addressing the high prevalence of diabetes among children in Qatar.

He highlighted that Qatar Tourism is committed to fostering strategic collaborations with both public and private sector entities to enhance community well-being.

 According to Mr. Al Ansari, the measures established through this partnership are designed to give children and their families the security and peace of mind they need to enjoy recreational activities fully.

Adding to this, Dr. Abdallah Al Hamaq, Executive Director of the Qatar Diabetes Association, stressed the importance of ensuring that children with diabetes are fully integrated into society.

 He emphasized that these children should not face discrimination or exclusion due to misinformation or misconceptions about their condition.

Dr. Al Hamaq also mentioned the QDA’s commitment to working closely with Qatar Tourism to ensure that recreational facilities are accessible and safe for children with diabetes, allowing them to participate fully in all available entertainment options.

As part of this collaboration, several measures will be implemented to facilitate the participation of children with diabetes in recreational activities.

These include allowing entry to entertainment facilities with a QDA identification card, permitting adult supervision, and enabling the use of diabetes care supplies such as insulin pens, insulin pumps, glucometers, and probe sensors within the facilities.

Additionally, children will be allowed to monitor their blood sugar levels, take snacks, administer medication, and return to their activities as needed.

In the event of hypoglycemic emergencies, they will also be permitted to bring treatment supplies like juice, candy bars, glucose gel, and sandwiches.

This collaboration between Qatar Tourism and the Qatar Diabetes Association highlights a strong commitment to ensuring that children with diabetes can safely and comfortably enjoy Qatar’s recreational opportunities.

By fostering an inclusive environment, Qatar aims to ensure that all children, regardless of their health conditions, can fully engage with and benefit from the diverse entertainment options available nationwide.