OnTap Magazine

The 9 September is globally recognized as World Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) Day, and for the second year in row, the Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) has partnered with the Department of Social Development (DSD) in working towards an FASD-free country through their national 9-9-9 campaign. FASD results in significant birth defects and developmental disabilities that cannot be cured post-birth. Research published in the American Medical Association journal in 2020 indicated that South Africa had the highest rate of FASD in the world at 111 cases per 1 000 people, where the global average is 7.7 per 1 000. The 9-9-9 campaign aims to educate South African women on the dangers of drinking while pregnant, as FASD is an entirely avoidable disorder. The BASA team joined the Deputy Minister of Social Development Hendrietta Bogopane Zulu, national and provincial government officials and other stakeholders, in a campaign that was run across nine provinces over nine days (in the ninth month of September) to educate communities about FASD and responsible drinking. The message shared with campaign participants was simple – FASD can be avoided. Women must simply not drink alcohol during pregnancy as any amount of alcohol can harm a developing foetus. To encourage commitment to this cause, the BASA team distributed pledges to all participants, to sign to ensure responsible behaviour towards their unborn babies. BASA is a proud partner on this campaign and is committed to continuing to play a critical role in helping prevent cases of FASD in South Africa by supporting all government campaigns to raise awareness on this issue. We call on all South Africans to work together towards a FASD free country, knowing that all it takes to be 100% FASD free is to ensure zero alcohol is consumed during pregnancy, breastfeeding or while trying to conceive. BASA PARTNERS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT TO LAUNCH 9 9 9 CAMPAIGN Deputy Minister of the Department of Social Development is joined by the BASA team Apiwe Nxusani Mawela (BASA Beer Relations Manager) and Quinta Arendse (BASA Representative) at the launch of their 9-9-9 campaign in Ladybrand, Free State 10 | Spring 2022 | ontapmag.co.za