Thursday is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day.
According to the World Health Organization, South
Africa has the highest reported FASD prevalence rates in the world.
Each year on the 9th day of the 9th month at 9
minutes past 9, bells are rung across the world to raise awareness about FASD,
and the irreversible damage to unborn children caused by the consumption of
alcohol during pregnancy.
The Western Cape's Social Development MEC,
Sharna Fernandez joined hands with the Foundation of Alcohol Related Research
(FARR).
FARR is a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) that is
dedicated to building positive futures in South African communities by
significantly reducing birth defects caused by alcohol consumption during
pregnancy. The focus of their major activities is on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
Disorders (FASD).
FASD is caused when a pregnant woman consumes
alcohol during pregnancy. FARR notes that alcohol consumption during pregnancy
is the leading cause of preventable intellectual disability in the world. It
can lead to severe and lifelong disabilities collectively referred to as FASD.
The symbolism of the number 9 is significant,
as a woman is ordinarily pregnant for nine months; hence the ringing of a
school, church or handbell on the 9th day of the 9th month at 09:09, as a call
to action.
“To every pregnant woman out there, please
avoid alcohol during your pregnancy to ensure that when it comes to your unborn
child’s health - you will be giving them a healthy start to their future,’’
said MEC Fernandez.
‘’I wish to remind all those women who are
struggling to stay away from alcohol no matter how hard they try that we are
here to help,” added Fernandez.
In South Africa, research completed by (FARR)
in five of the nine provinces reports rates as high as 282/1000 live births in
some communities in the Northern Cape Province.
The
Western Cape Province has rates as high as 250/1000 live births (25%)
(FRASER-SA report).
SUPPLIED: WCGDone By: Mitchum George
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