The Democratic Alliance (DA) shall be submitting questions to the minister of health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, asking him what plans his ministry has in place to address Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in South Africa. Our country has the highest reported rate of FAS in the world. It has been estimated that at least 1 million South africans have FAS, and that a further 4 -5 million are exhibiting signs of the lesser form of the condition, namely foetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Despite the severity of this scourge, only three FAS prevalence studies have been done to date in South Africa. All three studies were conducted by the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR).

The results of these studies show that De Aar is the FAS "capital" of South Africa with 120 out of every 1000 people having been diagnosed with FAS. Wellington is second with 88/1000, and Upington third with a rate of 69/1000.

In De Aar, the sterling work of FARR has led, over a three-year period of community intervention programmes, to a decline by about a third in the prevalence rate of FAS. This is the first ever decrease in FAS prevalence rates in the world. The success of this programme has led to FARR being invited to serve on the World Health Organisation FAS committee in order to develop an FAS prevention plan. The DA congratulates FARR on this appointment.

It is disheartening that, given the prevalence of FAS in our country, such initiatives are left to private institutions to drive, and that the Government is not doing more in terms of research and education of communities. Families need to be educated about the irreversible and permanent damage that can be caused by drinking during pregnancy. Fortunately, FAS is 100% preventable. The message is simple: pregnant women should not drink any alcohol during pregnancy.

The need for greater intervention from the Department of Health is made especially more acute considering that today is National Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) day. The Department should become more actively involved in raising awareness about the effects of alcohol on unborn babies and educating communities of its dangers.