Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Day a sobering awareness

CHILDREN born with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) experience growth abnormalities, including low birth weight, short stature, failure to thrive, and have small heads referred to as microcephaly.

Babies exposed to alcohol in their mothers’ wombs also have characteristic facial feature, including short or narrow eye openings, sunken nasal bridge, short upturned nose, flattening of the cheekbones and mid-face, smooth long upper lip and a small chin, among others.

Most of these children have nervous system abnormalities and behavioural problems throughout their lives.

These include hyperactivity, poor concentration span and lack of life and problemsolving skills.

They also have heart and kidney defects, deafness, cleft lip and spinal problems.

“The vital aspect to keep in mind and to focus on is that FASD is completely preventable. Pregnant people should not drink,” Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (Farr) chief executive Leana Olivier said.

Meanwhile, the organisation will host events to mark International Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Day today.

The day is commemorated each year today to draw attention to the fact that women should not drink alcohol while pregnant.

Farr will host its annual 9km walk (FASD-awareness walk) in De Aar in Western Cape and a 0.9km walk for pregnant women, their families and the community in Upington, Northern Cape, among other events.

In Mpumalanga, Deputy Minister of Social Development Hendrietta BogopaneZulu will launch an awareness programme at Ntsikazi Community Hall in Kabokweni.

“It is targeted at reducing and bringing FASD-related births to zero by the year 2030,” the department said. –