Alcohol harm during pregnancy awareness raised
Research point to deeper drivers including poverty, mental health challenges, social norms around alcohol, limited access to healthcare, and weak support systems for affected families.
As communities continue to grapple with the social and economic impact of alcohol-related harm, AWARE.
Org is calling for a sharper national shift in how Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), moving beyond individual blame to the wider societal conditions driving prenatal alcohol exposure.
While awareness of the risks of drinking during pregnancy exists, awareness alone is not reducing FASD.
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Research point to deeper drivers including poverty, mental health challenges, social norms around alcohol, limited access to healthcare, and weak support systems for affected families.
As pressure grows in South Africa’s healthcare, education and social support systems, more attention is needed on long- term impact that alcohol exposure can have on children and families through FASD.
‘’SA does not necessarily lack awareness of the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. What the research continues to reinforce if that awareness on its own is not enough.
“If we are serious about reducing FASD, the conversation must move beyond individual blame, toward earlier intervention, stronger support systems, healthier social norms, and more sustained community- based prevention efforts,’’ said Mokebe Thulo, AWARE. Org CEO.
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The organization believes a strategic, co- ordinated response connecting healthcare, education, social development and communities can better influence how children learn, behave, and develop over time, with stronger support systems helping to address preventable challenges before they become lifelong issues.
Thulo told Urban news that we need to look more closely at the environments and conditions that make alcohol harm more likely in the first place.
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A webinar will be hosted exploring these realities through an insight- led discussion focused on prevention, education, early intervention, and the need for more co- ordinated and sustainable support systems for communities affected by FASD.
