Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
25 March 2009
Premier Brown puts down a palm print in support of FASfacts, a
non-governmental organisation (NGO) working with rural communities to combat
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). An estimated 25 000 babies are born with Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) every year in South Africa, the highest incidence in the
world.
FAS is a completely preventable disease as it is caused by pregnant women's
consumption of alcohol. This leads to stunted mental and physical growth in
babies, who also display facial abnormalities and learning disabilities.
The rural areas of the Western Cape and towns in the Northern Cape towns like
De Aar are the hardest hit, but FAS also affects babies born in urban areas
from Soweto to Khayelitsha. De Aar has recorded 122 FAS babies for every 1 000
live births. The prevalence of FAS among grade ones in the Boland area is 4,6
percent to 10,3%. Compare this to statistics in the United States where the
incidence in high risk rural areas is 8/1 000.
FASfacts, a non-governmental organisation working to educate and raise
awareness on FAS, has been active in the rural areas across the Western Cape
from Worcester and Robertson to De Doorns and the West Coast.
Its campaigns target learners in grades 6, 7, 10 and 11, farm workers and
even shebeen owners and informal distributors. Since 2004, FASfacts has reached
over 17 000 learners, 7 000 adults and, since 2008, 400 shebeen owners. In
addition, a sustained radio campaign has meant FASfacts reached 390 000
listeners in key rural communities.
Today (Wednesday, 25 March 2009) the provincial government of the Western
Cape and FASfacts signed a handprint pledge to boost the fight against FAS at
an event held in Worcester, Western Cape. Western Cape Premier Lynne Brown
said, "In this day and age, we are still battling with what should be a
completely preventable condition. Thousands of people in this province are
affected and we need to get everyone to understand that they cannot be innocent
bystanders when pregnant women are drinking alcohol. Their partners and family
members should be part of the solution, and not stand outside the problem.
People who sell alcohol should also be prepared to say no to pregnant women
wanting to buy or drink alcohol."
A recent impact study commissioned FASfacts has shown that awareness and
information has hit 98 percent of respondents knowing that FAS is caused by
women drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Some 82 percent of respondents said
their knowledge stems from FASfacts programmes.
For many who have been through the FASfacts programme, it has been an
enriching and informative experience. Riverview Primary School head girl Fedele
Bolligello says she signed the pledge not to drink when she falls pregnant, "I
have learnt that it is important to look after your baby because they are the
leaders of tomorrow? My message for everyone is that together we can prevent
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome."
On board are the shebeen owners, who FASfacts targeted in its education
campaigns. One of them, Nathan Valentine, says the training has made an impact,
âThe shebeen owners? Started a project, where people visiting shebeens will be
monitored, and if found that he or she is having a drinking problem he or she
shall be referred to an organisation that can help. If FASfacts never made us
aware of the problem within our community this project might never been
born."
The impact study of FASfacts work has uncovered some worrying trends.
Although farm workers confirmed and welcomed the end of the "dop" system, by
which wages are part paid in alcohol, alcohol abuse remains a major
concern.
"People are still abusing alcohol and obtain their liquor now from bottle
stores in town or from shebeens?" according to the study. "Some of them (farm
workers) make their own home brew. In the Ceres area mention was made of a new
trend amongst some labour brokers to provide alcohol to workers on the job.
This is done under cover and in great secrecy."
In the study it also emerged that the "five litre weekender carton" of
alcohol seems to be the most popular among farm workers while alcohol abuse
among the youth is increasing. "Being aware of these facts is however not
enough. Drastic steps need to be taken to curb and erode this preventable, yet
debilitating disease. Through further studies, continuous intervention and
life-changing strategies, FAS could be one of the major health problems
permanently removed from our county's health risk issues," says FASfacts CEO
Francois Grobbelaar.
For more information contact:
Francois Grobbelaar
Cell: 082 800 7313
Jan Labuscagne
Tel: 023 342 7000
Cell: 082 904 1662
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Western Cape Provincial Government
25 March 2009
Source: Office of the Premier, Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za/)
