Protecting little lives before they begin

SANCA Horizon and the Soul City Institute for Social Justice brought Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) awareness to the Jerry Moloi Library in Etwatwa on September 29, urging pregnant women and communities to help prevent alcohol-related harm to unborn babies.

Fraser Mkhwebane, manager for community services at SANCA Horizon, said the session was about giving people a better understanding of FASD while addressing the stigma surrounding the condition.

“Today, we are going to learn about FASD, how alcohol exposure during pregnancy can affect brain development of a fetus and how it may influence learning, behaviour, and daily life,” said Mkhwebane.

She said the discussion would also look at practical ways communities can support people living with FASD and their families.

“Our goal is to leave with better understanding, practical ways to help, and a commitment to treating everyone with respect,” she said.

Nondumiso Khethwa, programmes officer for Gauteng at Soul City Institute for Social Justice, said the partnership with SANCA Horizon was aimed at reaching pregnant women with information about the dangers of alcohol during pregnancy.

“We are here to raise awareness about alcoholism, but specifically with the target group of pregnant women. The message is clear: avoid alcohol during their pregnancy,” said Khethwa.

She said young people should also make use of health care facilities and the services available to them.
“Our focus is to make sure that young people access these services,” she said.

Khethwa encouraged pregnant women to attend antenatal care regularly and seek assistance from healthcare professionals when needed.

“Utilise the services that are provided; it is in the best interest of you and your baby,” she said.

She added that facilities offer more than pregnancy-related services, with young people able to access services including HIV testing, mental-health screening, pregnancy services, sexually transmitted infection screening and counselling.

Nondumiso Nkambule, one of the pregnant women who attended the awareness session, said the event reminded expectant mothers that they do not have to face challenges alone.

She said women should be supported by their families and communities during pregnancy.

“It’s not to force you to abort the baby. You can keep the baby because you’re not alone,” said Nkambule.

“As long as the community and your family are supporting you, you and your baby can grow and develop with confidence,” she added.

Margaret Makhubega from Dynamic Health Training Institute also supported the initiative, highlighting the importance of supporting pregnant women who may be dealing with substance abuse challenges.

“We offer a curriculum for pregnant women that specifically deals with substance abuse,” said Makhubega.

She said communities should focus on supporting women rather than adding to their stress.

“When you stress them, they go to drink alcohol. Let us support them so that they can be healthy and have healthy pregnancies and give birth to healthy children,” she said.

The awareness session highlighted the importance of early education, support and access to health services in helping prevent FASD.

The organisations hope the conversations will encourage pregnant women and their families to seek support and make informed choices throughout pregnancy.

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