South Africa has the highest rate of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD), with it being estimated that five million South Africans might have this disorder.
Globally, 9 September is recognised as World FASD Day, and for the past few years the Beer Association of South Africa (Basa) has partnered with the Department of Social Development in working towards an FASD-free country through their national 9-9-9 campaign.
The campaign educates South African women on the dangers of drinking while pregnant.
The deputy minister of Social Development, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, along with other officials and stakeholders, will be travelling in the ninth month of the year, to nine provinces over nine days, to inform communities about FASD.
The aim of the campaign is to educate expectant mothers about the dangers of irresponsible drinking.
During the campaign, all attendees sign a pledge to protect those yet to be born by behaving responsibly; to protect the unborn child from the effects of alcohol by not consuming alcohol, or seeing to it that those with children do not drink alcohol; to advocate for social behavioural change in attitudes towards alcohol; to take action and educate women and young girls on the negative effects of alcohol; and to support programmes that seek to create safer, sober, and healthier communities for pregnant women and their unborn babies
Basa has emphasised that it advocates for the safe and responsible use of alcohol in communities, and supports educating programmes that highlight the negative impact of reckless alcohol use.
Those who have FASD, suffer life-long mental and physical problems.
Symptoms include poor coordination and concentration, as well as memory impairment; various learning disabilities; organ damage; a small head size; and abnormal facial features.
FASD is 100% preventable by not using alcohol while pregnant.
However, once a child was born with FASD, this cannot be changed.
