Novo Nordisk Strengthens Collaboration to Prevent Childhood Obesity and Diabetes on National Children's Day

On the occasion of National Children’s Day this year, Novo Nordisk has once again affirmed its commitment to strengthening child health through early prevention of obesity and enhanced care services for children with type 1 diabetes.

Banarsono Trimandojo, Associate Director of Market Access and Public Affairs at Novo Nordisk Indonesia, said that Indonesia’s future is determined by the health of its younger generation.

For that reason, all efforts and investments to improve children’s health must begin as early as possible, from creating environments that support healthy lifestyles to prevent excess weight and obesity, to ensuring that every child living with type 1 diabetes has access to proper diagnosis, treatment and support.

“We are committed to continuing to synergise with various stakeholders to achieve these goals,” said Banarsono in his statement on Thursday, 23 July 2026.

He said that a shared commitment to strengthening child health has become increasingly important, particularly amid the rising prevalence of obesity and the need for optimal access to care for children with type 1 diabetes.

Data from the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) shows that almost 1 in 5 children aged 5-12 years is overweight or obese. Beyond that, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that 1 in 3 people in Indonesia with type 1 diabetes are children and adolescents.

Therefore, strengthening early prevention efforts and a quality healthcare ecosystem is key to improving children’s health, particularly in addressing obesity and type 1 diabetes.

For nearly 30 years in Indonesia, Novo Nordisk — a global healthcare company from Denmark focused on the treatment of obesity and diabetes — has continued to collaborate with the government, medical organisations and various stakeholders to support the management of obesity and diabetes.

In its efforts to prevent obesity from an early age, Novo Nordisk and UNICEF have even run a global partnership since 2019 to create healthier food environments, eating habits and school environments for children.

“In Indonesia, this collaboration is realised through three main pillars: evidence generation, policy advocacy, and school-based intervention programmes,” he said.