SHARJAH // Free medical tests in 88 schools uncovered nine cases of cancer in children and 79 pupils with diabetes.
Rajaa Basheer, head of Sharjah Education Council’s healthcare unit, said the cases were discovered when the unit carried out the free tests over the course of the year.
Pupils with diabetes have been offered special meals in school cafeterias, she said, while pupils were advised to refrain from unhealthy food and are instead offered a choice of healthy school meals.
Special physical education lessons were given to diabetic children to keep them fit but not too tired, with teachers being schooled in specific requirements for these pupils.
Among the nine cases of cancer, leukaemia and retinoblastoma were the main types found.
“We carry out a lot of educational and informational programmes all year long for students and school staff members,” said Ms Basheer.
The statistics were announced to coincide with World Diabetes Day today.
tzriqat@thenational.ae
