FASD United is horrified and deeply saddened by the tragic situation unfolding in Ukraine. The loss of life and human suffering is immeasurable, and our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine, especially its FASD community.
Ukraine and the surrounding region have among the highest rates of alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder in the world, resulting in a substantial population affected by prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD. A study published last year found that 50% of a sample of children adopted internationally from Ukraine and Russia met FASD diagnostic criteria.
Individuals with FASD face significant challenges and adversity even in times of relative calm and stability, so we cannot begin to imagine the painful difficulties faced by this vulnerable population during this time of war.
Prominent in our thoughts is Ukraine Works Limited, a vital member of the FASD United Affiliate Network for many years, headed by longtime FASD advocate Anne Linden. Founded in 2007, Ukraine Works has given countless FASD trainings across the country, including to its government health ministers, and translated many crucial FASD materials into Ukrainian for the first time. They estimate that “25–35% of women in Ukraine consume alcohol during pregnancy.”
We are also thinking of Dr. Tina Chambers, a professor of pediatrics at University of California, San Diego and a perinatal epidemiologist, whose research is focused on environmental exposures and pregnancy and child health outcomes, including birth defects. As part of the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (CIFASD), Dr. Chambers and her research colleagues in the U.S. and Ukraine have studied prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD in the nation for more than a decade. Their groundbreaking discoveries have contributed to prevention and intervention strategies and helped build the Ukrainian FASD community.
Foremost in our thoughts are the many brave and inspirational Ukrainian individuals and families living with FASD. We recently heard the story of Olga and Serhii Bolshova, who had to leave their home, but first waited until Olga finished the FASD diagnostic webinar she had organized for doctors. Their dedication inspires us all.
FASD United stands with Ukraine’s FASD community and joins the international community in calling for an immediate end to the unjust hostilities and attacks on the people of Ukraine.