Everyone can commemorate International Foetus Alcohol Syndrome Disorder Day

SANCA Zululand has called on all Zululanders to participate in this year’s Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) Day, which will be commemorated on Saturday.

FASD is the term used to describe the range of effects on the foetus of the mother consuming alcohol while pregnant.

Alcohol consumed by the mother enters the bloodstream and reaches the foetus within 20 minutes.

As a consequence of the associated brain abnormalities, children suffering from FASD have learning disabilities, behavioural abnormalities and cognitive impairment.

The four diagnosis categories are FAS, partail FAS, ARND (alcohol-related neuro-developmental disorder) and alcohol related birth defects (ARBD).

Characteristics required for diagnosis include facial features (narrow or small eyes, smooth ridge between nose and upper lip, and a thin upper lip), growth retardation (stunted height, weight and head circumference), and intellectual and behavioural difficulties.

ALSO READ: Massive turnout for walk against drugs

‘Foetal Alcohol Syndrome is 100% preventable,’ said SANCA Zululand Director, Shireen Sahadev. ‘SANCA commemorates International FASD day on 9 September by providing life-changing education on the risks of using any substance, legal or illegal, whilst pregnant.

By observing a minute of reflection on the 9th day of the 9th month, at nine minutes past the 9th hour, everyone can commemorate International FASD Day.

SANCA Zululand urges as many people as possible to participate in the moment of reflection, in accordance with their own cultural backgrounds or religious beliefs.

FASD Day was first commemorated in 1999 and came about after a number of people on the online support group

‘FASlink’ wanted to create more awareness and were feeling frustrated about the lack thereof by professionals and the public.

There are about 500 000 South Africans suffering from FASD and, with an incidence of between 8% and 12%, South Africa has the highest prevalence of FASD globally.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 072 069 4169

Instagram – zululand_observer