SOCIAL Development Deputy Minister, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, said Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are 100% preventable, but sadly not reversible.
Bogopane-Zulu is continuing with her campaign around the country to educate communities about the dangers of pregnant and breastfeeding women drinking alcohol.
She joined a church service at Life Changing Ministries in Akasia, Tshwane on Sunday, 3 September to spread the message that no amount of alcohol is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
She reminded congregants that FASD are 100% preventable but sadly not reversible.
Bogopane-Zulu said during the 9-9-9 campaign in line with International FASD Awareness Day, delegates join in the ringing of the bell at 09:09 everyday.
She said:
She said will continue educating communities on the dangers of pregnant and breastfeeding women drinking alcohol.
A 27-year-old mother from Colesberg in Northern Cape said she still drinks alcohol and smokes even though she is pregnant.
She said her first born child has FASD.
"My six-year-old son is bullied at school as he is much smaller than his peers and is not doing well at school," she said. She pleaded with other pregnant women to stop drinking as it has adverse effects on their unborn children.
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Pastor Dr Mathonsi Ntsako said: "Drinking alcohol while pregnant causes terrible damage to the unborn baby. I pledge to protect those who are unborn by behaving responsibly to protect the unborn child from the effects of alcohol."
A tavern owner in the area said he does not sell alcohol to children and pregnant women at his establishment.
"It's the pregnant women who send their friends to buy alcohol for them," said the tavern owner.
Bogopane-Zulu will continue with the FASD campaign in Koppies, Free State on Monday, 4 September.
