South Africa is marking International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day today, 9 September, with a reminder that preventing alcohol exposure during pregnancy is not the responsibility of mothers alone — it is a community responsibility.
This year’s theme, “Everyone Plays a Part: It Takes a Community”, highlights the role families, healthcare workers, communities and support services can play in preventing FASD and supporting children and families affected by the condition.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FASDs are a group of conditions that can occur following exposure to alcohol before birth. They can result in lifelong behavioural, intellectual and physical difficulties.
The CDC says there is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, no safe time to drink and no type of alcohol that is considered safe. This includes wine, beer and spirits. (CDC)
The issue is particularly significant in South Africa.
A 2024 study published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research reported that South Africa has the highest reported prevalence of FASD globally, although researchers have stressed the need for better national data to establish the full extent of the problem.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of FASDs, with the most severe form being foetal alcohol syndrome. The WHO also says drinking during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.
For families, the consequences can extend well beyond infancy.
According to the CDC, children affected by FASDs may experience difficulties with attention, memory, learning, speech and language, reasoning, judgement and coordination. Some may also experience physical problems affecting areas such as the heart, kidneys, bones, vision or hearing.
The 2026 theme places the emphasis on community support rather than blame.
A woman who drinks during pregnancy may be struggling with alcohol dependence, social pressures or other circumstances that make stopping difficult. Some women may also consume alcohol before knowing they are pregnant.
The CDC says it is never too late to stop drinking during pregnancy, noting that because the baby’s brain continues developing throughout pregnancy, stopping alcohol use can improve the baby’s health and wellbeing.
This is where healthcare workers, partners, families and communities have an important role to play.
Healthcare professionals can help identify alcohol use, provide counselling and refer patients for assistance. Families can offer support instead of judgement, while communities can help create environments where women feel safe seeking help.
According to the CDC, FASDs are preventable if a developing baby is not exposed to alcohol before birth. The organisation advises women who are pregnant or might become pregnant to avoid alcohol.
The World Health Organisation similarly warns that alcohol exposure during pregnancy can affect a child’s development and contribute to lifelong disabilities. But awareness is only one part of the solution.
The South African Department of Health’s awareness programme for this year’s FASD Day is also focusing on strengthening healthcare workers’ ability to identify women who use alcohol during pregnancy, improving early recognition of FASD in infants and children, and promoting referrals for assessment and support.
As part of the awareness activities, the Department of Health’s Knowledge Hub is hosting a two-hour online webinar today.
According to the event notice, the webinar will take place from 10am to noon on Wednesday, 9 September, and will focus on FASD awareness, prevention, early recognition and the role of families and communities.
The webinar also offers CPD points for participating professionals.
The message behind this year’s awareness day is simple: preventing FASD is not about pointing fingers.
It is about ensuring women have the information, support and services they need — and ensuring children affected by FASD are understood and supported.
Because when it comes to preventing FASD, everyone really does play a part.
WEBINAR DETAILS
📅 Date: 9 September 2026
⏰ Time: 10am–12 noon
💻 Format: Online webinar
🎓 CPD points: Available
🏥 Host: Department of Health Knowledge Hub
