Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a serious condition caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy, leading to permanent damage to the developing baby, especially the brain.
The most severe form, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), results in smaller physical size, learning disabilities, and social challenges in children.
Although lifelong, FASD is entirely preventable if alcohol is avoided during pregnancy, according to South Africa’s National Department of Health.
The Northern Cape has some of the highest FASD rates globally, with De Aar once recording 12% of births affected.
However, prevention efforts by the Foundation for Alcohol-Related Research (FARR) have reduced this rate by 30% since 2002.
There is no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy, as it can harm the foetus from as early as the third week of development. FASD can cause cognitive, behavioural, and physical impairments, yet it remains 100% preventable.
On International FASD Day (September 9), awareness campaigns stressed the importance of an alcohol-free pregnancy, with 11% of South African births affected by FASD.
AWARE.org, led by CEO Mokebe Thulo, launched the “Reveal the Truth” campaign to raise awareness, incorporating gender reveal parties with a unique twist: mustard-coloured cake layers representing the FASD statistics in South Africa.
AWARE.org and FARR are also running community programs in the Western, Eastern Cape, and Free State, providing support to pregnant women and educating them on the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy.
Dr. Leana Olivier, CEO of FARR, emphasised that FASD is a community issue that requires collaboration to eliminate.
Everyone can help by sharing information and advocating for alcohol-free pregnancies to prevent FASD and support healthier communities.
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