The Department of Health has unveiled a new national action plan to fight Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the Government was committed to reducing the impact of FASD on individuals, families and communities.
Mr Hunt said FASD was the term used to describe the lifelong physical and neurodevelopmental impairments that can result from fetal alcohol exposure.
He said FASD was a condition imposed by parents either not being aware of the dangers of alcohol use when pregnant or planning a pregnancy, or not being supported to stay healthy and strong during pregnancy.
He said the new action plan would show the way forward to tackle the tragic problem, guiding future actions for Governments, service providers and communities in the priority areas of prevention, screening and diagnosis, support and management, and tailoring needs to communities.
“Alongside the plan’s release, I am pleased to announce a new investment of $7.2 million to support activities that align with these priority areas,” Mr Hunt said.
He said the funding would enable work to start immediately, help protect future generations and give children the best start possible.
He said the strategy would provide a national approach for all levels of Government, organisations and individuals that target the reduction of alcohol related harm relating to FASD.
The Minister said the strategy’s objectives would be to strengthen efforts and address the whole-of-life impacts of FASD as well as address the whole-of-population issues; support collaborative cross-sectoral approaches required to prevent FASD in Australia; and provide information and support for those living with and affected by the disorder.
The 58-page Strategic Action Plan 2018-2028 can be accessed at this PS News link.
