As the world observes International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day on 9 September, Aware.org is leading South Africa’s national conversation on prevention. The country reportedly has the highest prevalence of FASD globally, with an estimated 11% national rate and prevalence as high as 31% in some regions. In response, Aware.org is intensifying its efforts to break the cycle of alcohol harm and give every child the best possible start in life.
On 17 September 2025, Aware.org will host a high-level FASD Roundtable in Johannesburg, convening leading voices from government, health, research, policy, community advocacy, and the alcohol industry. This national dialogue will share evidence, challenge misconceptions, and drive practical strategies to prevent FASD and protect future generations.
Spotlight on expert leadership
The FASD Roundtable will be facilitated by Dr. Sharon Hlanganani Maluleke-Ngomane, a healthcare leader and University of Johannesburg academic with over 30 years of experience in maternal and child health and community-based systems.
She will be joined by experts including Dr. Jaco Louw, a leading FASD researcher from the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR); Pamela Nkuna, Corporate Affairs Director at Pernod Ricard Africa Middle East; and Adrie Vermeulen, National Coordinator of SANCA. These are just some of the many panellists who will contribute across the two panel discussions.
The dialogue will also feature Aware.org’s Chairperson of the Board, Jordi Borrut-Bel, Managing Director of Heineken Beverages and leader of the Sober Pregnancies Pillar, alongside senior representatives from government, academia, and civil society.
Breaking the cycle through community action
The Roundtable builds on Aware.org’s proven track record of prevention through grassroots collaboration. In partnership with the Foundation for Alcohol-Related Research (FARR), the University of Johannesburg, and the School of Hard Knocks, Aware.org has spearheaded programmes that reach deep into communities.
Recent results include:
- 145 healthcare professionals and over 10 000 community members trained in 2024 to spread the message that no alcohol is safe during pregnancy.
- Community-based initiatives such as FARR’s Healthy Mother, Healthy Mother Healthy Baby© (HMHB©) Programme, supporting mothers from early pregnancy through their babies’ first nine months.
- School of Hard Knocks’ (SoHK) NxtGenWomxn for Mothers programme, equipping mothers and mothers to be with the resilience and knowledge to prevent alcohol harm in future generations.
A University of Johannesburg (UJ) campaign set to reach 5,000 people directly with implementation underway. “These successes prove that prevention is possible when knowledge and support reach families where they live,” says Mokebe Thulo, CEO of Aware.org. “But collaboration is key. By convening this Roundtable, Aware.org is taking the lead in uniting voices across society so that together, we can create healthier futures for every child.”
Building a future free from FASD
Through this Roundtable, Aware.org reinforces its leadership in preventing alcohol harm during pregnancy. The event will channel research, experience, and collaboration into practical solutions that help communities protect the next generation.
Through collaboration, evidence, and action, Aware.org is driving meaningful change to ensure every child is born free from the harm of alcohol exposure. This World FASD Month, the Roundtable serves as both a milestone and a call to action: prevention is possible, but it requires united effort from every part of society.
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