International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder day offers a sobering reminder

06 September 2025

Globally, the rate of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is eight out of every 1 000 live births. In the Western Cape, it is as high as 310 out of every 1 000 live births. No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy, and City Health has services for women who are struggling to cope without alcohol. Read more below:

The City of Cape Town is calling for urgent action this International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day which is observed on 9 September, as South Africa continues to face some of the highest reported rates in the world.

This year's theme is 'Supporting bumps without booze – coping without alcohol'.

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) refers to a range of preventable conditions that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These conditions can affect physical, cognitive, and behavioural development, with effects ranging from mild to severe and lasting a lifetime. 

'No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy and while we speak often of the need to stop drinking during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, in some instances, it is easier said than done. Our City Health clinics and substance abuse treatment sites are there to help. I encourage mothers to be to enrol for Basic Antenatal Care at their local clinic as soon as possible. If, for whatever reason, you are struggling with alcohol or other substances, our Matix programme offers outpatient assistance and support to women, but also their families,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

More information about FASD and related supportive measures is available here: https://bit.ly/3VwuHPv

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

The City's Community, Arts and Culture Development reached 4 601 participants through its Substance Abuse Prevention Programme in the previous financial year, which includes the Driving My Future Programme.

A distinctive aspect of the programme is the use of realistic simulators to illustrate the desired outcomes.

'While the responsibility starts with pregnant women, we all have a role to play in supporting them and their unborn babies. As a first step, it is critical that everyone understands that no amount of alcohol is acceptable or safe during pregnancy – FASD is 100% incurable, but 100% preventable,' added Councillor Higham.

A list of City services is available here: https://bit.ly/467TwGm

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office