Monday 9 September not only marked World Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Day, but also the announcement of a new website to be launched by the Western Cape FASD Network this month.
The website will focus on providing FASD information to those who visit it.
The FASD network consists of City Health, the City’s Community, Arts and Culture Development Department, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, the Western Cape Education Department, NGOs and researchers working within the field of early child development, FASD and special-needs education.
“When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol it goes into her bloodstream,” said Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross. “The blood takes the alcohol to the unborn baby. Alcohol damages the unborn baby’s growing body and brain, resulting in many types of birth defects. Alcohol harms an unborn baby in different ways, at different times during the pregnancy.
“No alcohol at all during your pregnancy is the only way to prevent FASD. This may seem like a simple preventative measure, but many women struggle with alcohol abuse even when they know it’s one of the worst vices to have during pregnancy. Our Matrix sites are able to assist with alcohol and drug treatment, and women who struggle to kick the habit can go to the clinic and speak to the experts. Break the addiction if you are thinking of having a baby. If you’re already pregnant now is the time to stop drinking.”
FASD Day is commemorated annually on 9 September at 9:09 where bells are rung to highlight the message of FASD:
- FASD is prevented if the mother does not drink any alcohol during pregnancy.
- FASD is 100% preventable. No alcohol for the mom during pregnancy equals no FASD for the baby.
- FASD is 100% permanent. The damage done by the alcohol cannot be undone.
The City’s Eersteriver Clinic and the Eersteriver Matrix site hosted a community event last week, when they shared information on FASD.
The event was held in conjunction with City Libraries, which highlighted its 1 000-stories programme, Community, Arts and Culture Development demonstrated FASD information with dolls, the provincial Department of Social Development shared resources for children under 18 years old, and the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children provided information on its services offered to women suffering from gender-based violence.
