Alcohol abuse worsens prospects for country’s babies

ALEXANDRA – Worry about country's babies.

 

South Africa’s image has been dented by the recent release of the country’s high Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (Fasd) statistics.

This from research by the American Medical Association Journal for Paediatricians. This was conveyed in a statement by NPO Alcohol Responsibility and Education (aware.org) when commemorating International Fasd Awareness Day on 9 September.

The findings show that South Africa has the highest rate of the disorder among children globally, with more than 11 per cent of them born with some level of Fasd. This figure is said to be 14 per cent higher than average globally. This prompted the NPO to urge for a global pledge for a better tomorrow for South Africa’s children to prevent the harm caused by alcohol during pregnancy.

According to Ingrid Loew of the NPO, “Your baby’s tomorrow starts when you don’t drink. No amount of alcohol is safe if you are, or even think you may be pregnant. Alcohol can reach your baby within 20 minutes after taking a drink and is toxic to the unborn child. “It may cause damage to an unborn child’s organs especially the most vulnerable parts like the brain and the nervous system. Babies exposed to alcohol while in the womb are at risk of permanent brain damage.”

The organisation has partnered with the Department of Social Development and the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (Farr) in various educational programmes to raise awareness of the problem.

Other research by Farr estimates six million citizens to be affected by Fasd with at least three million others affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (Fas). “If exposed to alcohol whilst in the womb, the baby may after birth, experience a range of physical, neurological and behavioural problems over time. It includes, lowered intellectual ability from an average IQ of 100 for a normal child to an average of between 65 to 75 for a child with Fas,” the NPO statement read.

This in addition to growth retardation before and after birth, small physique for their age, damage to their organs especially the brain, eyes, ears, heart and facial features, developmental disabilities in fine motor development and coordination among others. The affected children also have attention and hyperactivity problems commonly referred to as Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Disorder.

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Details: Bulelwa@theriverbed.co.za

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