SA has highest cases of foetal alcohol syndrome in the world
World Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Day is held annually at nine minutes past nine on the ninth day of the ninth month.
AN estimated 25 000 babies are born with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) every year in South Africa, this is the highest reported incidence in the world according to Health 24.
FAS is caused by the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy, it is the main cause of severe mental disabilities and stunted physical growth in babies.
Rural areas in the Western Cape and towns in the Northern Cape like De Aar are the hardest hit by FAS, however it also affects babies born in urban areas, where prevalence amongst pregnant teens and young mothers is high.
Features of FAS in babies include:
· Growth failure (both during pregnancy and following delivery)
· Developmental delay
· Facial abnormalities
· Impaired mental activity (mental retardation)
· Brain, heart and spinal defects
There is no safe limit for alcohol use during pregnancy. FAS has been reported following a single episode of overindulgene.
Initiatives like World Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Day are vital in the fight against FAS, which is found in all races and across all socio-economic groups.
