South Africa bears the unfortunate burden of the highest reported rate of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) globally, with estimations suggesting a prevalence rate as high as 11%, compared to the global rate of less than 1%. This alarming statistic suggests that approximately 5 million South Africans might be affected by FASD.
In a concerted effort to advocate for healthier pregnancies and babies, Aware.org takes the lead in highlighting the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the detrimental effects of FASD.
FASD, a lifelong condition stemming from prenatal alcohol use, severely impacts a child’s physical and mental development, learning abilities, and behavior, consequently affecting individuals with FASD, their families, and communities.
Working together for alchohol-free pregnancy
To confront this pressing public health crisis, Aware.org collaborates closely with the Foundation for Alcohol-Related Research (FARR), focusing on empowering expectant mothers and communities with essential information to make informed decisions for healthier pregnancies. Their joint efforts extend to providing support services to aid women in achieving alcohol-free pregnancies, alongside community interventions and professional training programmes aimed at preventing FASD.
Carmen Mohapi, managing director of Aware.org, emphasises the organisation’s commitment to educating expectant mothers and offering them the necessary support to make informed decisions about their health and that of their unborn children.
Mohapi states, “Through education and outreach efforts, we aim to empower expectant mothers with the knowledge and support them in making informed and wholesome decisions about their health and the health of their unborn children.”
Breaking the stigma
One of the critical barriers in addressing FASD is the stigma associated with the condition, often resulting in pregnant women with alcohol abuse challenges being marginalised by their families and communities. This stigma impedes them from seeking professional help and support, exacerbating the issue.
Dr Leana Olivier, CEO of FARR, underscores the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of prenatal alcohol use and fostering supportive communities to enable pregnant women to have alcohol-free and healthier pregnancies.
Olivier states, “By raising awareness about the dangers of prenatal alcohol use and encouraging communities to support pregnant women to have alcohol-free and healthier pregnancies, we not only raise awareness regarding FASD but also call on communities to take collective action to decrease the births of children affected with this lifelong condition.”
No amount of alcohol is safe to use during pregnancy.
Testimonials from beneficiaries of programmes such as the Healthy Mother Healthy Baby (HMHB) initiative underscore the transformative impact of education and support. One beneficiary shares her journey, highlighting the stark contrast between the health outcomes of her two children, underscoring the importance of alcohol-free pregnancies in ensuring the well-being of both mother and child.
ALSO READ: Poverty fuels alarming teen pregnancy rates in South Africa
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