The Social Development Department has reminded all South Africans to play their part against Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder as the world commemorates International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day.
This day is observed every year during the month of September globally.
It was first observed on September 9, 1999.
Since then, FASD Day has become a global movement, with countries from all around the world participating to draw attention to the fact that women should not drink while pregnant.
The department will be commemorating the day at Lennie Scheepers Community Hall, Calvinia, in the Northern Cape, on Monday.
The theme for 2024 FASD is “Everyone Plays a Part”, and serves as a reminder that every single person in the community can make a change to support a society that is both supportive of people with FASD and supportive of healthy pregnancies.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), South Africa has the seventh highest per capita reported rate of alcohol consumption in the world.
While the worldwide rate of FASD sits at 1,5%, in South Africa the prevalence rate ranges between 2,7% and up to 28% in some communities.
The Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act No 70 of 2008, mandates the Department of Social Development to develop programmes aimed at the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs), including FASD.
The term FASD refers to the wide range of physical, behavioural, and cognitive impairments that occur due to alcohol exposure before birth.
FASD is caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. Alcohol acts as a powerful toxin (poison) to the developing foetus and can affect the foetus within 20 minutes after the ingestion of alcohol.
It affects the development of all foetal tissue and organs, although the brain and the nervous system are the most vulnerable.
These impairments may appear at any time during childhood and last a lifetime.
Alcohol exposure during pregnancy can result in FASD by interfering with development of the baby’s brain and other critical organs and physiological functions.
Experts said this can lead to deficits after birth and beyond. Alcohol can disrupt development at any stage, even before a woman knows that she is pregnant.
Research shows that binge drinking and heavy drinking during pregnancy put a developing baby at the greatest risk for severe problems.
However, even lesser amounts can cause harm.
In fact, there is no known safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Individuals with FASD experience day-to-day challenges, which may include cognitive and behavioural impairments as well as secondary disabilities including medical, educational, mental health, and social challenges, throughout their life.
Experts said early identification of FASD is critical for the well-being of individuals affected by prenatal alcohol exposure and their families.
Early identification can maximise help in the treatment of FASD and in building supportive networks with other individuals and families impacted by FASD.
According to experts, FASD is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
They said this may be due to a lack of information about prenatal alcohol exposure or difficulty in distinguishing FASD from other developmental disorders that might have similar cognitive or behavioural symptoms.
The department said that South Africa is one of the top 10 countries that consume alcohol, and drinking during pregnancy is common as most people especially women consider drinking as a coping strategy for any challenges.
It emphasises the importance of collaborating with other stakeholders to fight the challenges associated with FASD.
According to research, Northern Cape and Western Cape have the most prevalence of FASD followed by Gauteng.
“FASD is considered the leading cause of mental retardation, FAS is 100% preventable, unfortunately FAS is 100% incurable, therefore there is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy,” said the department.
This FASD Day, the department has been raising awareness at the Danielskuil and Siyathemba (formerly known as “Dingleton”) communities in the Northern Cape.
During a session at Danielskuil, a “Mr” Rooibaaidjie from the Department of Education mentioned a few learning difficulties experienced by children born with FASD, which could lead to early school dropout.
A parent (name withheld) raising a child with FASD in the area popularly shared her experience of raising a child born with FASD.
She warned other mothers not to drink while pregnant as she is now blaming herself for raising a child born with FASD.
The woman pleaded with the government to build schools for children born with FASD.
Mario Jacobs, from Gambling and Liquor Board, emphasised the importance of supporting children born with FASD and to highlight the importance of not selling alcohol to pregnant women.
Thuli Roux, from Siyathemba Clinic, mentioned that when a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy, she risks giving birth to a child with low birth weight, growth retardation, facial abnormalities, and poor coordination skills.
Marie Trollep from the Federation of African Medical Students’ Associations mentioned that children born with FASD are affecting families in many ways and some of the families do not want to take responsibility and accountability to their children born with the condition, therefore causing unnecessary family conflicts.
The ward councillor for Danielskuil, Dennis Pienaar, applauded the Social Development, Health departments and other stakeholders for coming up with such important programmes, and he promised that the municipality will ensure that by-laws are enforced to protect children, especially unborn babies against FASD.
Motshabi Nkoane, social policy manager responsible for substance abuse programmes at the national Social Development Department, gave four critical messages to pregnant women: “If you are pregnant, do not drink, and if you drink, do not get pregnant.”
“No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.”
“Love your baby, do not drink while pregnant.”
“Your baby needs a mother and not a drink!”
The Star