Drinks giant Diageo is to fund alcohol training for 10,000 midwives as part of the Government's controversial Responsibility Deal. The training programme will be run by the National Organisation for Foetal Alcohol Syndrome UK (Nofas-UK) to encourage midwives to highlight the risks of drinking during pregnancy.
But the news made the headlines amidst criticism that the alcohol industry be funding such initiatives, with reports from the BBC, Guardian, Independent and The Daily Mail.
Don Shenker, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern, said: "It is deeply worrying that alcohol education is being paid for by the drinks industry, as it is then unaccountable and not necessarily based on evidence or public health guidance." Professor Ian Gilmore said, "To really make a difference, education and information must be backed-up by tougher action on the price, availability and marketing of alcohol."
Simon Litherland, managing director of Diageo Great Britain insisted they were "passionate" about the issue, stating: "Educating midwives and mothers about the issues that can arise when drinking alcohol when pregnant or trying to conceive is hugely important as it will potentially save many babies from being born with foetal alcohol syndrome."
Anne Milton, Public Health minister, also backed the move: "Midwives are one of the most trusted sources of information and advice for pregnant women. This pledge is a great example of how business can work with NHS staff to provide women with valuable information."
See here for guidance on drinking during pregnancy and here for exploration of the evidence for light drinking during pregnancy.
Great close the door after horse has bolted.great now how about some funding for the reported 7000 FASD UK
each year. Estemated Health and Social Economic
cost per child in their life time £2.5 Million.
Posted by: bill | Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 01:33 AM