Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Many South African kids affected

It's more prevalent in South Africa than anywhere else in the world: the fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. More than ten percent of newborn babies there are affected. Globally, it up to two percent. Because their mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy, children suffer irreversable brain damage that results in increased aggression, learning difficulties, stunted growth and other problems. Many women use alcohol as a means to escape their harsh lives in the slums. There are outreach programs to help pregnant women. But with high unemployment rates and gang violence, it's no easy feat as Thomas Kruchem reports. His feature is presented by Louisa Wright. 

Author. Thomas Kruchem

Presenter: Louisa Wright