GN still researching fetal alcohol syndrome

SARA MINOGUE

Nunavut’s health minister, Leona Aglukkaq, joined the northwestern premiers last week in a call for “meaningful collaboration” from the federal government on issues relating to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or FASD.

“We’re looking continually to try and seek better relations on [the federal government’s] role related to trying to address FASD and the challenges that we face,” Aglukkaq said.

Aglukkaq traveled to Calgary last week to meet with the Canada Northwest Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Partnership, which includes Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and the three territories. One of the main initiatives of the partnership is the Canada Northwest Research Network, of which the Government of Nunavut is a part.

The effects of alcohol on unborn children have been documented since at least 1968. The term fetal alcohol syndrome was first coined in 1973.

Yet in Nunavut, the disease is not well researched.

“How broad is FASD in our jurisdiction? That research continues,” said Aglukkaq.

A report done by the RCMP in 2001 suggests 30 per cent of Nunavut’s expectant mothers may drink significant amounts of alcohol while pregnant, and 85 per cent of their children will show symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome. It says 65 per cent of prison inmates may suffer from FASD.

“What we’re trying to do is get a handle on the numbers and what we can do to educate families and individuals that are expecting children on the impact on alcohol to the unborn child.

“There are people living with FASD in our society, and at the same time, we know very little of how bad it is. It’s a lifelong challenge for people that are born with FASD, and it affects how we deliver our programs in the education system… It is quite broad and it affects everyone.”

For now, Alukkaq’s department is focusing in prevention, and identification of people who have FASD.

“It is totally preventable,” she said.

The GN is developing resources to promote awareness of FASD and to stop pregnant women from drinking alcohol, Aglukkaq said.

“As a government, we also have to start developing programs to provide support to families and individuals with FASD,” Alukkaq said.

About 20 people in each of Nunavut’s three regions have participated in a program called “Children Come First,” through the internet and video conferencing. The program helps front-line workers identify people with FASD.

Kits have been developed to help teachers identify students with FASD.

Results are still unavailable from a pilot project on FASD that got started in Kugluktuk last year with funding from the GN and Health Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.

A website for the project was posted in 2004, but still contains just one paragraph of information.

“The pilot project is really a collaboration with all local agencies and groups,” Aglukkaq said. Its focus is on health promotion, preventative programs, and educating the youth and the community.

Recent studies in the UK show that no alcohol is safe for unborn children.