Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in the spotlight

08 September 2022

The City’s Community Service and Health Directorate will commemorate Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder(FASD)  Day with various activities to raise awareness and share valuable knowledge throughout communities in the metropole. The day will be commemorated on Friday, 9 September 2022.   

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a confirmed cause of preventable mental retardation.

The effects  lasts a lifetime and there is currently no treatment or help. The disorder can only be diagnosed by a psychiatrist after many stringent tests have been applied. FASD  may only be contracted by a foetus or child if a pregnant woman has consumed alcohol during pregnancy.

Annually, the City of Cape Town creates awareness about FASD, its causes, myths and effects of the disorder by hosting awareness and information sessions throughout the year with additional emphasis  placed on knowledge sharing.

'The burden of alcohol dependency and the negative health effects should not be carried over to unborn children. We all have a responsibility to nurture, care for and protect our children. Responsible parenthood should start early and we encourage  residents to attend  information sessions as knowledge about FASD is a powerful tool to understand the disorder and the many negative effects. Our officials are there to assist and share knowledge and create platforms for opportunities to learn. We can all do more by ensuring that we share knowledge and spread the message, said Councillor Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office