Education programme to promote awareness of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome
The Polish brewers association, Browary Polskie support an education programme to promote awareness of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and fundraise for the NGO “Fastryga”. Most activities are conducted online via social media but hard-copy educational materials are also given to attendees of childbirth classes. The programme was developed in association with the NGO-Fastryga, Doctors, FAS experts and midwives. In 2013, the activities included: A press briefing under the patronage of “The Parliamentary Women’s Group”, in partnership with the NGO Fastryga; Distribution of guides for parents with an educational bookmark bearing the pregnancy responsible drinking message (RDM); Internet initiatives – a special application on www.wciazyniepije.pl, posts on the Facebook profiles of brands and abcalkoholu.pl. A subpage was also included on the Polish version of talkingalcohol.com for ordering educational materials (posters, leaflets).
The scientific position on risks associated with alcohol consumption in pregnancy was developed in cooperation with experts in obstetrics and gynecology. Key conclusion/recommendation: expectant women should be informed at the fist OBGYN visit that there is no safe amount of alcohol to be consumed during pregnancy. The position was presented during the Polish parliament session dedicated to FAS and delivered to 4 000 OBGYNs, 1,900 doctor offices, 1,600 antenatal classes attendees, in the form of medical newsletter. More than 11,000 votes of support for the slogan “I don’t drink alcohol during pregnancy” were collected within a web application. Over 60 publications were initiated in media, including TV and radio.