Qatar Tourism (QT), in partnership with the Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA), hosted a workshop for amusement park and entertainment facility managers.
The aim was to create a safe and supportive environment for the children with diabetes by raising awareness among amusement park officials and staff about childhood diabetes, develop sustainable solutions for the challenges faced by them and implement the necessary measures to address these issues.
The workshop was led by QDA programmes manager Katie Nahas under the theme *Children with diabetes in public places, and entertainment cities.
She gave a presentation on the rights of children with diabetes and outlined the standards set by the QDA for recreational facilities, working in partnership with the QT.
By fostering partnerships with private and public sector entities, the QT aims to drive sustainable development and community enrichment and guarantees that the sector’s growth benefits the wider community, balancing economic advancement with social and environmental responsibility.
In a press statement, QT Tourism Licensing director Mohamed al-Ansari said: “At the QT, we are dedicated to fostering strategic partnerships with both public and private sector entities to enhance the well-being of our communities and our nation.”
“This partnership especially holds significant importance as we address the high prevalence of diabetes among children in Qatar,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure that these children can experience a fulfilling and protected childhood.”
“The collaborative measures established between the operators of entertainment facilities and the QDA are designed to provide children and their families with safety and security, enabling the children to enjoy their playtime without concern,” he said.
QDA executive director Dr Abdallah al-Hamaq said: “The QDA firmly believes that children with diabetes have the right to fully integrate into society without sacrificing their physical safety or face discrimination due to misinformation or misconception of diabetes.”
“These children should not be excluded or denied access to diabetes management supplies, and we must make reasonable accommodations for them,” he said. “We are working closely with the QT, who have provided support and assistance to the association in securing ease of accessibility and safeguard the children within the facilities and ensure that they can fully enjoy all the entertainment venues we have in Qatar.”
As part of the collaboration, several measures will be implemented to facilitate the participation of children with diabetes in recreational activities.
These measures include facilitating entry to entertainment facilities with a QDA identification card, permitting adult supervision, and allowing the use of diabetes care supplies such as insulin pens, insulin pumps, glucometers, and probe sensors within the facilities.
Children are also permitted to check their blood sugar levels, eat snacks, take medication, use the bathroom, and return to their activities as needed.
In case of hypoglycemic emergencies, the bringing of treatment supplies such as juice, candy bars, glucose gel, and sandwiches is allowed to manage their health effectively.
