9 September 2006
Each year at nine minutes past nine on the ninth day of the ninth month,
International Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Day is celebrated and attention is
drawn to the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome is caused when the brain of the foetus does not
develop properly due to the mother's consumption of alcohol whilst pregnant or
even before pregnancy. This affects the child physically and mentally. The
damage can include attention deficit disorder, low IQ level, facial
deformities, immune system malfunctioning, memory loss and low birth
weight.
"The Western Cape has one of the highest rate of babies born with FAS in the
world with 24 000 babies reported to be born in South Africa with FAS per
annum, and a lot of awareness still needs to be done about FAS, as many mothers
are not aware that their alcohol intake affects their babies in such a negative
way," said Minister Uys.
"The Department of Health wants to show their commitment in raising
awareness and to educate our mothers about the dangers of their intake of
alcohol and that is why our health officials at all levels of care are united
in the fight against the dangers of FAS," Uys said.
Basic health messages:
* Stop drinking alcohol if you are thinking of falling pregnant.
* Stop drinking alcohol if you are pregnant.
* Whatever the mother drinks, so does the unborn baby.
* Alcohol harms unborn babies and results in them needing special care for the
rest of their lives because they could suffer from physical defects, abnormal
facial anomalies and be mentally challenged.
* Do not fall pregnant if you drink alcohol, use contraceptives.
Enquiries:
Faiza Steyn
Communications Director
Tel: (021) 483 3235
Herman van der Westhuizen
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: (021) 483 2627
Issued by: Department of Health, Western Cape Provincial Government
9 September 2006
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za)
