International Action on Prevention of FASD – A Seat at the Table

The 9^th International Research Conference on FASD was held in Seattle on March 20-23, 2025.  The conference theme centered on how research can be translated into policy and practice. Researchers  from 16 countries attended, providing a stimulating opportunity to collectively discuss the implications of their work and foster collaborations. It was a very welcome opportunity to gather, share, debate, inspire and learn together.

Sessions focused on pure science, prevention, diagnosis, and intervention related research. On the second morning, a plenary on FASD prevention showcased work from four countries, demonstrating initiatives and research across the 4-part prevention model.

FASD Prevention in Four Countries

Australia – Raising Awareness

Dr. Elizabeth Elliot, Sophie Harrington, Dr. Jacqueline Bowden and Dr. Robyn Williams shared their findings from the Australia public health campaign, “Every Moment Matters”. The initiative had four streams: 1) a general population awareness campaign; 2) a campaign for priority populations; 3) education for health professionals and 4) a grant program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The awareness campaign had  65+ million completed video views, 9.8 million completed digital ad listens, and an estimated reach to  2.8+ million women. The presentation covered findings from a comprehensive evaluation, including a return on investment noting an estimated reduction in births where prenatal alcohol exposure was avoided. They found that overall the educational resources were well received. There was high satisfaction from health professionals, increased awareness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, an increase in the likelihood of partners supporting alcohol free pregnancies, and significant increases in campaign recognition, raising awareness and influencing behaviours.

South Africa – Community-Based Engagement

Representatives from Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR) in South Africa, Dr. Leana Olivier, Dr. Jaco Louw and Mandi Broodryk, presented on FARR’s community-based engagement. The presenters highlighted programs including the Healthy Mother Healthy Baby Programme (for pregnant women), Legacy Dad Course (for fathers), Home Based Early Childhood Development Programme, Learner Support Programme, Youth Support Programme and an Elderly Programme. Their comprehensive, whole-of-society approach to programming is embedded in research efforts to identify prevalence as well as professional capacity development initiatives across all regions in South Africa. Dr. Olivier also received the Starfish award at the conference, for her tremendous work toward making a direct impact on people with living experience of FASD.  

USA – Interdisciplinary Collaboration of Professionals

Katherine Chyka, a health education specialist with Oak Ridge Associated Universities, led a panel of professionals from the USA who participate in the FASD National Partner Network. It is an impressive interdisciplinary collaboration that includes  family physician, pediatric, and obstetric and gynecologic professional organizations, as well as women’s health organizations, obstetric and neonatal nurses, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and social workers. There are a total of 9 organizations, including FASD United, in the Partner Network, which is funded through the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to lead FASD awareness and prevention efforts. The partnership recognizes the crucial role that primary and allied health professionals play in the FASD field.  The panel showcased a stunning array of resources that have been created by Network members. Some excellent examples were shown including printable handouts for clinicians to share with families, ‘walk and talk’ postcards and scripts, dozens of other educational resources in many formats, and the overall FASD NPN Digital Toolkit.

Canada – Wraparound Services

Dr. Nancy Poole from the Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health presented on the Digital Handbook for practitioners supporting pregnant women at highest risk. This Handbook was generated in the final phase of the Co-Creating Evidence Evaluation Project to support the creation, development, ongoing operation, and sustainability of wraparound programs reaching pregnant women and new mothers and their children. The Digital Handbook was designed to share best practice arising from the wraparound model of service delivery. This model holistically addresses individual and community needs where alcohol and a range of other health and social concerns are faced. The Digital Handbook can be used to support learning by program planners, managers and staff, service partners from a variety of health and social sectors, funders, researchers, community members, and families affected by perinatal substance use.

Thank you for the conference organizers, FASD United, who continued to give FASD and FASD prevention a seat at the table, even in these challenging times.