On October 17, 2023, Novo Nordisk and the Moroccan Society of Endocrinology and Pediatric Diabetology (SMEDIAP) officially announced their partnership as part of the Changing Diabetes® in Children (CDiC) program. This ambitious project aims to improve the quality of life for Moroccan children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.
#### A program to transform diabetes management
Created in 2009, the CDiC program is a public-private initiative deployed in low- or middle-income countries. It is based on four pillars:
1. **Therapeutic education** for patients and their families,
2. **Strengthening the skills of healthcare professionals**,
3. **Bringing care closer to the affected populations**,
4. **Facilitated access to insulin and monitoring tools**.
In a context where Morocco has nearly 43,300 cases of diabetes among children and adolescents under 19, according to the International Diabetes Federation, this initiative aims to address a national health emergency.
#### Specialized centers for cutting-edge therapeutic education
The program’s actions include the creation of centers dedicated to therapeutic education, aimed at raising awareness among young patients and their families. These structures are designed to provide personalized support tailored to local realities, thereby enhancing the overall management of pediatric diabetes.
The Director General of the Rabat University Hospital, Professor Raouf Mohsine, emphasizes that “therapeutic education is a fundamental pillar in managing type 1 diabetes. This specialized center, integrated into our institution, will serve as a model for regional health structures.”
#### A partnership for lasting impact
On the SMEDIAP side, the president, Professor Farida Jennane, stated that this partnership will help provide appropriate care, essential in light of the increasing cases observed.
Berit Basse, the Danish ambassador to Morocco, praised this joint initiative between Novo Nordisk, SMEDIAP, and the Moroccan Ministry of Health, highlighting its importance for the future of the affected families.
#### Towards a limitless future for patients
Novo Nordisk continues to lead innovative initiatives aimed at improving access to quality care and therapeutic education for young people with type 1 diabetes. This partnership, rooted in a long-term vision, illustrates the shared ambition to overcome the challenges of diabetes in Morocco and promote sustainable change.