CAPE TOWN – South Africa has the highest prevalence of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in the world – with studies showing rates of between 29 and more than 300 per 1 000 live births in different communities, compared to the global average of roughly eight per 1 000.

FASD is an umbrella term for disorders found in babies whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy. The most severe form is Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). While not curable, FASD is 100% preventable – drinking during pregnancy can cause permanent brain damage in an unborn child.

Driving change

Locally, the City of Cape Town’s Substance Abuse Unit runs a programme called “Driving My Future”, made up of six sessions over three days focusing on behaviour, informed choices and the harm caused by substance abuse, with a specific focus on FASD. A distinctive feature is the use of realistic simulators to illustrate the impact of substance use on a child.

In the last 12-month cycle, the programme reached more than 3 500 learners. A monitoring and evaluation report found the level of understanding of FASD among participants jumped from 8% before the programme to 87,4% at its conclusion, while the ability to identify the challenges of having a child with FASD rose from 21,3% to 95,8%.

“Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is preventable and boils down to the choices made during pregnancy,” says said Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee member for Community Services and Health. “Our Driving My Future programme links directly to that, by highlighting the importance of informed and responsible decisions.”

Higham said the unit was inundated with requests from schools in the last year to implement the programme. “It is a reminder of the sustained demand for substance abuse prevention programmes.”

Seek help

The unit also runs Essentially-Me, which helps pre-teens build self-esteem and reduce high-risk behaviours, the Strengthening Families Programme for families with children aged 6–11, and Sinovuyo Teens for ages 10–17.

Residents concerned about their own or a loved one’s substance use can access support through City Health clinics, which provide screening, counselling and referrals, as well as the free Matrix® outpatient treatment programme. Appointments can be made via the City’s Healthcare Appointments System.

For more information about FASD, visit capetown.gov.za.