In our own way, we are marking International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Prevention Day—this September 9, 2012—with the launch of a new website.
The SAF Indian Ocean Association is pleased to invite you to explore this site, which provides information on the harmful effects of alcohol during pregnancy and shares regional prevention initiatives carried out in the Indian Ocean.
In COOPÉRATION, you will find the concerns of our colleagues regarding the issue of alcohol and pregnancy:
1. In Mauritius with the involvement of Natresa and a gender-specific approach to combating alcoholism in partnership with the Étoile d’Espérance Association.
2. In Madagascar, where health authorities (coordinated by Ofnalat) and supported by the WHO are actively engaged in the fight against alcoholism—and specifically in the prevention of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)—a December 2010 decree paved the way for prevention efforts that we had already initiated in the provinces.
— In Diégo Suarez: from the initial realization of the need for action to the creation of tools for providing local support in high-risk situations and for children in difficulty. Today, Diégo Suarez manages its own prevention efforts independently and is participating in the September 9th initiatives by producing a TV report (coming soon to the website).
— In Tuléar (Toliara), the question was whether such a mobilization could be replicated. We were thrilled by the rapid engagement of all stakeholders involved in prevention regarding this alcohol-related issue that affects them.
The working group is also participating—for the first time—in the prevention day on September 9 (details coming soon to the website).
3. Seychelles is involved in the fight against alcoholism and the prevention of FAS through a control plan expected to continue beyond 2012.
4. Mayotte has not been spared; training for healthcare professionals has fostered this awareness, leading to active participation in our prevention efforts.
5. Réunion A pioneer in France regarding a comprehensive support approach, Réunion remains deeply involved—whether in care through Réunisaf or prevention through SAF France.
Here, we recount this wonderful adventure for you, while also offering a glimpse of the mobilization days held on September 9th since 2002!
6. In South Africa, we will maintain contact with the colleagues who are participating in this same effort and have been with us from the start: FARR in the Cape Province and NOFASARD in Australia.
— À Diégo Suarez, depuis la prise de conscience jusqu’à la réalisation d’outils d’accompagnement local des situations à risque et des enfants en difficulté. Aujourd’hui, Diégo Suarez gère de façon autonome sa prévention et participe aux actions du 9 septembre avec la réalisation d’un reportage pour la TV (bientôt sur le site).
— À Tuléar Toliara, la question était de connaître la possibilité de reproduire une telle mobilisation. Nous avons été enthousiasmés par l’implication rapide de l’ensemble des acteurs de prévention autour de cette problématique Alcool qui les concerne.
Le groupe de réflexion participe aussi, et pour la première fois, à la journée de prévention du 9 septembre (prochainement sur le site)
sont impliquées dans la lutte contre l’alcoolisme et dans la prévention du SAF dans un plan de lutte qui devrait être poursuivi après 2012.
n’est pas épargnée et une formation des professionnels de santé a permis cette prise de conscience, avec une participation active à nos efforts de prévention.
La Réunion pionnière en France dans une approche globale d’accompagnement, est toujours très impliquée que ce soit dans le soin avec Réunisaf ou la prévention avec SAF France.
Nous vous y contons cette belle aventure, mais aussi un petit aperçu des journées de mobilisations du 9 septembre depuis 2002 !
nous garderons le contact avec nos collègues qui participent à ce même effort, avec nous depuis le début, dans la province du Cap avec la FARR eten Australie avec NOFASARD.
If you are not yet familiar with our ASSOCIATION, we invite you to learn about our membership and the goals we pursue.
You can support us, become a member, and take part in our initiatives, or join us at our next General Meeting.
You are also welcome to share any reading materials or other findings related to this issue in the Indian Ocean region.
We will share articles that have caught our attention—including insights into the costs associated with a child affected by FAS—in the HOME section, and list upcoming major events at the bottom of the homepage.
We look forward to connecting with you; in the meantime, enjoy browsing safoceanindien.org.
Thierry Maillard, together with the members of the Board of Directors
