GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Community members are invited to observe international Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day tomorrow, 9 September with the local Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR).
This event serves to remind people of the harm alcohol exposure can cause to a fetus during pregnancy.
Across the globe, groups of people will get together at 09:00 on 9 September to share an FASD prevention message and wear the FASD Awareness Knot. At 09:08, one-minute of silence is observed, with the participants reflecting on people who are living with FASD and their caregivers. At 09:09, a bell is rung to ceremonially break the silence, thereby encouraging community members, family and friends to share the FASD prevention message and to support pregnant women to abstain from alcohol use during pregnancy. The number 9 is a reminder of the importance of 9 alcohol-free pregnancy months.
FASD is caused when a fetus is exposed to alcohol. The toxic effect of alcohol causes permanent, irreversible damage to the developing cells of the fetus. Since the brain starts developing soon after conception, it is especially vulnerable to the damaging effects of alcohol. The first International FASD Day took place on 9 September 1999.
Research has indicated that even small amounts of alcohol can cause prenatal damage and FASD. The message for International FASD Day is, therefore: “No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.” Children with FASD are born with permanent brain damage. It is, however, important to note that any other organ of the baby can also be affected. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the most severe form of FASD, but there are a variety of other conditions as well. Further risks associated with alcohol exposure include miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity, low birth weight and even cot death.
Due to the very high prevalence rates in South Africa, FASD is a public health concern in many communities, but unfortunately very little, if any, education is given to students in the health, education, and social work sectors. To successfully prevent this condition, it is essential to raise awareness in the general public. Professionals should receive the necessary training and skills to do diagnose and manage FASD and to implement awareness and prevention strategies.
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