City programme drives home Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder awareness

07 September 2026

It’s International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day on 9 September ,and South Africa remains the country with the highest prevalence of FASD. In the City of Cape Town, a programme called ‘Driving My Future’ focuses specifically on developing an understanding of the risks of substance abuse and FASD specifically, and helping young people make informed choices.

The global average for FASD is roughly eight per 1 000 live births. In South Africa, studies show rates of between 29 and more than 300 per 1 000 live births in different communities.

Drinking during pregnancy can cause permanent brain damage in an unborn child.

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is a general term for a group of disorders found in the babies of mothers who drank alcohol during pregnancy. The most severe form of the condition is known as Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). FASD is not curable, but it is 100% preventable.

The Substance Abuse Unit within the City’s Community, Arts and Culture Development Department runs four programmes that address various aspects.

Essentially-Me helps pre-teens build self-esteem and reduce high risk behaviours.

The Strengthening Families Programme is for families with children aged 6-11 years old, focusing on parenting and life skills to improve family relationships and reduce vulnerability to substance abuse, while The Sinovuyo Teens takes a similar approach, but with teenagers aged 10-17 years old.

Driving My Future is made up of six sessions over three days focusing on behaviour and making good choices. The programme takes a specific look at the harm caused by substances, and specifically Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

In the last 12-month cycle, the programme reached more than 3 500 learners.

A distinctive aspect of the programme is the use of realistic simulators to illustrate the impact that substance use and/or abuse can have on a child.

A monitoring and evaluation report found that:

• The level of understanding of FASD increased from 8% before the programme, to 87,4% at its conclusion
• The number of participants who could identify the challenges of having a child with FASD increased from 21,3% to 95,8%
• The number of participants who could identify the challenges of a drug-affected baby rose from 24,9% to 81%.

‘Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is preventable and boils down to the choices made during pregnancy. Our Driving My Future programme links directly to that, by highlighting the importance of informed and responsible decisions. Apart from improving the overall understanding of FASD, most of the learners were able to show an improved understanding of the responsibilities and consequences of teenage pregnancy, and how their choices impact their health and future.

‘Our Substance Abuse Unit was inundated with requests from schools in the last year to have the programme implemented. It is a reminder of the sustained demand for substance abuse prevention programmes and highlights the need for continued delivery of these interventions,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

For those who are concerned about their own substance use, or that of a loved one, a range of support services is available through City Health’s clinics and free Matrix® alcohol and drug treatment programme. City Health clinics provide screening, counselling, health education, treatment, and referrals to appropriate care, with staff able to offer guidance and support based on each person’s individual needs.

The Matrix® programme provides evidence-based outpatient treatment and support for people experiencing substance use problems, helping clients on their journey towards recovery while enabling them to remain connected to their families, work, and communities.

Residents do not have to face substance use challenges alone. Those seeking assistance can approach their nearest City Health clinic for information, support, and referral, or access the Matrix® Substance Abuse Service Directory to find a Matrix® service in their area.

City Health’s primary healthcare services, including maternal and child health, mental health screening, counselling, and health education, also play an important role in preventing substance-exposed pregnancies and supporting healthier outcomes for mothers and children.

Clients are encouraged to make an appointment for clinic services via the City’s Healthcare Appointments System, which helps reduce waiting times and makes planning easier.

City Health and Community Arts & Culture Development are part of the Western Cape FASD Network, together with academic partners and NGOs working within the sector. 

The network aims to raise awareness and coordinate programs highlighting the important issue of FASD. 

For more information about FASD, please go to https://bit.ly/3UTkPCf

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