Salford protest calls for action on foetal alcohol disorder

A charity has organized a demonstration in Salford, where baby vests were displayed on a bridge to raise awareness about foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The National Organisation for FASD claims that the NHS is not doing enough to address the issue, as many health authorities in England and Wales have failed to commission necessary services for those affected by alcohol consumption during pregnancy. This lack of action can lead to severe, lifelong consequences for children, including difficulties in movement, vision, learning, and emotional management. In 2022, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) introduced guidelines aimed at improving the management of FASD. However, a report from the National Organisation for FASD highlighted that several integrated care boards in the north west of England, including NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria, and NHS Greater Manchester, have not yet implemented specific services for FASD. While Greater Manchester has made some progress, there remains significant confusion regarding responsibility for addressing the issue. The charity's chief executive, Sandra Butcher, emphasized that many individuals affected by FASD remain undiagnosed and lack appropriate support, which can lead to tragic outcomes. The organization is urging NHS England and Wales to provide clear guidance on NICE guidelines and to appoint dedicated FASD leads within health boards and trusts. Additionally, the charity is advocating for the UK government to allocate a portion of alcohol duty revenue to establish a new FASD prevention fund. Both the UK and Welsh governments have expressed their commitment to reducing FASD cases and promoting public health measures to mitigate alcohol-related harms during pregnancy.