Awareness drives solutions for Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
08 September 2023
Several high schools are on the calendar for awareness drives where the spotlight is on Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The City of Cape Town’s Health and Social Development and Early Childhood Development Departments are commemorating the international day, 9 September, committed to fight this scourge.
FAS remains a problem in South Africa and has devastating, irreversible effects. It refers to the wide range of physical, behavioural and cognitive impairments that occur due to the baby's exposure to alcohol before birth.
It is caused by drinking during pregnancy, is incurable and has a negative effect not only on the unborn baby, but also communities.
It is the only preventable mental health disorder, but is incurable if baby is affected by the mom's drinking.
The message is clear: Do not drink while planning to fall pregnant, or during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. No amount of alcohol is safe.
'Alcohol is one of the leading preventable causes of birth defects and developmental disorders. There is no safe level of drinking while pregnant and we want to remind every woman they can start protecting their babies before they're born,' said Councillor Patricia van der Ross, the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.
International FASD awareness day was first recognised in 1999 and aims to encourage women who are trying to become pregnant, or those who are sexually active and not using birth control, to abstain from drinking.
This year's theme is 'Uniting our strengths: finding solutions together'.
'It is important to be alcohol free during your pregnancy and our health staff are there to help guide and educate women who want to give their babies the best chance starting in the womb. Our strength lies in the knowledge and expertise we share and in so doing, be a part of the solution,' said Councillor Van der Ross.
The awareness programmes, which will take place for the next two weeks at various schools, clinics, halls and safe spaces, include the use of foetal alcohol simulators which illustrate the impact of substance abuse during pregnancy.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
