World Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Day is held each year at nine minutes past nine on the ninth day of the ninth month to draw attention to the fact that women should not drink alcohol for nine months whilst pregnant. The alcohol the mother drinks enters the unborn baby's bloodstream causing damage to the foetus. Such damage is permanent and irreversible. FAS children will have physical and intellectual problems.
FAS is represented by a knotted rope symbolizing the umbilical cord, spinal cord, and nervous system. The circle symbolizes the womb, a baby's head, the brain and the earth. The knot represents the people who care around the world. The frayed end shows the result of a child born with FAS.
Ronnie Jurgens, the Metropole Human Genetics co-ordinator said, "We have learnt that most people are totally unaware that alcohol can cause such serious damage to an unborn baby. Through workshops and discussions we want to convey the basic message that Foetal Alcohol Syndrome can be prevented as long as the mother does not drink alcohol during pregnancy."
South Africa has the highest recorded FAS rate in the world. It is estimated in some regions, with grade 1 children, to be as much as 100.2/1000.
FAS Enquiries:
Ronnie Jurgens
Tel: 021 918 1585
Maureen McCrea
Tel: 021 918 1708