To make Réunion residents aware of the risks associated with alcohol during pregnancy, an association will launch the 1st SAFthon on September 8.
It is a sad record for Reunion. On this island in the Indian Ocean, hundreds of newborn babies suffer from disorders caused by their mother’s alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The Indian Ocean Regional Health Agency (ARS) estimates that alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders (TNDLA) affect 1 in 100 children, or one birth every 2 days.
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), the most severe disorder, affects between 10 and 15 births. A number of victims which does not decrease from year to year.
In fact, this disease has been gnawing at Reunion Island families for several years. So much so that a regional action plan funded to the tune of 3 million euros was put in place to fight this scourge. Objective: to improve the prevention of this preventable handicap at 100% as well as its diagnosis to support families.
Also, on the occasion of World FAS Prevention Day which will be held on September 9, the ARS and health professionals on the island wish to raise awareness among future mothers of the risks associated with alcohol consumption. .
One drink is enough
The consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure are manifold. A teratogenic compound, alcohol causes malformations in the embryo, disrupts the genome and intoxicates the brains of babies. Fetal alcoholism thus predisposes to learning difficulties, behavioral problems as well as social interactions.
But this irreversible damage will not appear in all children. They depend in particular on the quantity of alcohol ingested, the period of exposure or even the genetic characteristics of the mother and the child.
Still, “there is no minimum dose below which alcohol would be safe,” raises the ARS, adding that only one drink is enough. Consequently, the only possible prevention message is “Zero Alcohol during Pregnancy”
Fundraising
To make this message heard, the ARS is organizing prevention and awareness-raising events throughout the week throughout the island. At the same time, the SAF France association will launch on September 8 the 1er SAFthon.
This initiative should make it possible “to increase awareness of disorders caused by fetal alcoholism” and “to collect, in full transparency” funds dedicated to finance projects focused on the health of women in difficulty with their consumption of alcohol. alcohol, the future of SAF children and the struggle of families to have this problem recognized.
The association has opened a toll-free number, 32 20, available in mainland France from Friday 8 10 a.m. to Saturday 9 September 10 p.m.
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