Foetal alcohol syndrome acknowledged
On September 9 the world recognises International Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Day.
According to the Simon Zwane, spokesperson for the Department of Health any amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy can cause damage to a baby.
“Although we do not have the exact figures of how many children are born with this syndrome, we are aware of the communities where alcohol is consumed excessively and we intensify our campaigns in those areas,” he says.
Zwane adds that community health workers visit households in poorer areas and educate mothers-to-be on how to care for an unborn baby.
“They encourage expectant mothers to attend ante-natal care at local clinics so that complications can be identified early in the pregnancy.
“The health workers also advise women on healthy eating and exercise as well as educating them on the implications of drinking and smoking during pregnancy.”
Zwane says children who suffer from this disease often have mental illness or do not develop in line with their age.
