The Premier of the Northern Cape, Ms Hazel Jenkins, invites members of the media to a press briefing on the outcomes of a study conducted in the Province by the Foundation for Foetal Alcohol Research (FARR).

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a pattern of mental and physical defects that can develop in a fetus in association with high levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is among the most common causes of learning disability worldwide and is eminently preventable. It is a very common drinking pattern in pregnant woman that results in Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder. This drinking pattern common among women in many parts of South Africa is amenable to intervention as it is not associated with alcohol dependence.

In earlier studies, De Aar and Upington were rated as the towns with the highest reported cases of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome in South Africa. As part of Government’s responsibility to intervene and ensure that we plan comprehensively in order to ensure that the correct programmes and projects are implemented within the Northern Cape and more especially Upington and De Aar, the Foundation for Foetal Alcohol Research (FARR) was appointed to conduct a study on Foetal Alcohol Syndrome in Upington and De Aar.

The Study took place from 2003 to 2006 in De Aar and from 2005 to 2010 in Upington. There were three phases to the study: firstly a baseline assessment of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and partial FAS prevalence; secondly, prevention interventions and finally 1 year after, assessment of FAS/ PFAS prevalence.
The study is now complete and FARR will be presenting the outcomes of the Study to the Premier and the Provincial Cabinet.

Details of the press briefing are as follows:

Date: 8 February 2012
Venue: Room 503, 5th floor, JW Sauer Building
Time: 13h00

Your attendance at this session will be highly appreciated.
Released jointly by the Communications Directorate, Office of the Premier and Department of Social Development

Contact persons:
Bronwyn Thomas-Abrahams
083 447 6586, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Conrad Fortune
079 8730 679, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.