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25 March 2009

Premier Brown puts down a palm print in support of FASfacts, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) working with rural communities to combat Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). An estimated 25 000 babies are born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) every year in South Africa, the highest incidence in the world.

FAS is a completely preventable disease as it is caused by pregnant women's consumption of alcohol. This leads to stunted mental and physical growth in babies, who also display facial abnormalities and learning disabilities.
The rural areas of the Western Cape and towns in the Northern Cape towns like De Aar are the hardest hit, but FAS also affects babies born in urban areas from Soweto to Khayelitsha. De Aar has recorded 122 FAS babies for every 1 000 live births. The prevalence of FAS among grade ones in the Boland area is 4,6 percent to 10,3%. Compare this to statistics in the United States where the incidence in high risk rural areas is 8/1 000.

FASfacts, a non-governmental organisation working to educate and raise awareness on FAS, has been active in the rural areas across the Western Cape from Worcester and Robertson to De Doorns and the West Coast.

Its campaigns target learners in grades 6, 7, 10 and 11, farm workers and even shebeen owners and informal distributors. Since 2004, FASfacts has reached over 17 000 learners, 7 000 adults and, since 2008, 400 shebeen owners. In addition, a sustained radio campaign has meant FASfacts reached 390 000 listeners in key rural communities.

Today (Wednesday, 25 March 2009) the provincial government of the Western Cape and FASfacts signed a handprint pledge to boost the fight against FAS at an event held in Worcester, Western Cape. Western Cape Premier Lynne Brown said, "In this day and age, we are still battling with what should be a completely preventable condition. Thousands of people in this province are affected and we need to get everyone to understand that they cannot be innocent bystanders when pregnant women are drinking alcohol. Their partners and family members should be part of the solution, and not stand outside the problem. People who sell alcohol should also be prepared to say no to pregnant women wanting to buy or drink alcohol."

A recent impact study commissioned FASfacts has shown that awareness and information has hit 98 percent of respondents knowing that FAS is caused by women drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Some 82 percent of respondents said their knowledge stems from FASfacts programmes.

For many who have been through the FASfacts programme, it has been an enriching and informative experience. Riverview Primary School head girl Fedele Bolligello says she signed the pledge not to drink when she falls pregnant, "I have learnt that it is important to look after your baby because they are the leaders of tomorrow? My message for everyone is that together we can prevent Foetal Alcohol Syndrome."

On board are the shebeen owners, who FASfacts targeted in its education campaigns. One of them, Nathan Valentine, says the training has made an impact, “The shebeen owners? Started a project, where people visiting shebeens will be monitored, and if found that he or she is having a drinking problem he or she shall be referred to an organisation that can help. If FASfacts never made us aware of the problem within our community this project might never been born."

The impact study of FASfacts work has uncovered some worrying trends. Although farm workers confirmed and welcomed the end of the "dop" system, by which wages are part paid in alcohol, alcohol abuse remains a major concern.
"People are still abusing alcohol and obtain their liquor now from bottle stores in town or from shebeens?" according to the study. "Some of them (farm workers) make their own home brew. In the Ceres area mention was made of a new trend amongst some labour brokers to provide alcohol to workers on the job. This is done under cover and in great secrecy."

In the study it also emerged that the "five litre weekender carton" of alcohol seems to be the most popular among farm workers while alcohol abuse among the youth is increasing. "Being aware of these facts is however not enough. Drastic steps need to be taken to curb and erode this preventable, yet debilitating disease. Through further studies, continuous intervention and life-changing strategies, FAS could be one of the major health problems permanently removed from our county's health risk issues," says FASfacts CEO Francois Grobbelaar.

For more information contact:
Francois Grobbelaar
Cell: 082 800 7313

Jan Labuscagne
Tel: 023 342 7000
Cell: 082 904 1662

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Western Cape Provincial Government
25 March 2009
Source: Office of the Premier, Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za/)