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Diarrhoea Disease (For Families in Sub-Saharan Africa)

Author's details

  • Hakim A Abubakre
  • BA (Hons) International Business Management, Msc Digital Marketing.

Reviewer's details

  • Dr. Khashau Eleburuike
  • MBBS (Ilorin) MSc. Global Health Karolinska Institute.
  • Resident doctor in family medicine in Northen Sweden.
Diarrhoea Disease (For Families in Sub-Saharan Africa)
  • Date Published: 2025-08-28
  • Date Updated: 2026-01-02

Diarrhoea Disease (For Families in Sub-Saharan Africa)

Key Messages

  • Diarrhoea is a leading cause of death in children under 5 in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly due to dehydration.
  • Key danger signs include blood in stool, high fever, severe dehydration, and persistent vomiting. Seek medical help immediately if these occur.
  • Treat diarrhoea at home with oral rehydration solution (ORS), zinc for children, continued feeding, and good hygiene.
  • Prevent diarrhoea by washing hands, drinking safe water, using toilets, cooking food well, breastfeeding, and vaccinating children.
  • Diarrhoea can be prevented and treated—ORS, zinc, and feeding save lives; watch for danger signs and act quickly.
Introduction

What is Diarrhoea?

  • Passing 3 or more loose or watery stools per day.
  • Caused by germs (stomach infection), unsafe food or water, or poor hygiene.
  • It can be mild, but in children it can be very dangerous.

In sub-Saharan Africa, diarrhoea is one of the top causes of death in children under 5.

 

Discussion

Why It Is Dangerous

  • Main risk: dehydration (losing too much water and salt).
  • Can lead to:
    • Weakness, malnutrition, stunted growth in children
    • Risk of other infections
    • Death if untreated

 

 Signs & Symptoms

Common:

  • Loose or watery stool
  • Stomach cramps, bloating, nausea

Warning signs:

  • Blood or mucus in stool
  • High fever
  • Dry mouth, sunken eyes, little/no urine
  • Severe weakness or confusion
  • In babies: fewer wet nappies, refusing to feed, green or persistent vomiting

 

What to Do at Home

Give Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)

  • Ready-made ORS from clinic or pharmacy
  • Homemade ORS: 1 liter clean water + 6 teaspoons sugar + ½ teaspoon salt
  • Give small sips often

Give zinc (10–14 days for children) – ask health worker
Continue breastfeeding and feeding soft foods
Rest and wash hands often

Avoid:

  • Sugary drinks
  • Spicy, greasy food
  • Alcohol, caffeine

 

When to Go to the Health Centre Immediately

  • Blood in stool
  • Severe vomiting or can’t drink/breastfeed
  • Severe dehydration (sunken eyes, no urine, very thirsty, drowsy)
  • Diarrhoea lasting more than 2–7 days
  • High fever (>39°C / 102°F)

 

Prevention

  • Wash hands with soap & water after toilet, before eating or feeding a child
  • Drink safe water (boil, filter, or use chlorine tablets)
  • Use toilets/latrines (no open defecation)
  • Cook food well & store it safely
  • Exclusive breastfeeding for babies (first 6 months)
  • Give children the rotavirus vaccine

 

Conclusion

Diarrhoea kills, but it can be prevented and treated.

  • ORS + zinc + feeding = saves lives.
  • Look for danger signs → seek medical help quickly.
  • Clean water, handwashing, and safe food keep families healthy.
References
  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Diarrhoeal disease. 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoeal-disease
  2. UNICEF. Diarrhoea remains a leading killer of young children, despite the availability of simple treatment solution. 2022.
  3. WHO & UNICEF. Ending Preventable Child Deaths from Pneumonia and Diarrhoea by 2025: Global Action Plan. Geneva: WHO/UNICEF, 2013.
  4. Ministry of Health, Nigeria. Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) Guidelines. 2019.