Demonstration on recognising dehydration in children, Ghana

Promotion of oral rehydration therapy Here a diagram in Ghana is being used to explain the signs of dehydration in young children. A woman is marking the soft spot (fontanelle) on the top of the baby's head. When this is sunken, it is a sign of dehydration (often due to diarrhoea). Other signs include sunken eyes, no tears, a dry mouth, little or no urine and a wrinkled belly. Children with diarrhoea lose a lot of water and electrolytes and easily become dehydrated. Mothers need to be able to recognize signs of dehydration in their children and take prompt action.