When to seek medical attention for your child

What causes sickness?

People from different countries or backgrounds have different ways to explain what causes sickness.

• People in small villages may say it is because the parents did something wrong, or perhaps because they angered a god or a spirit.

• A doctor may say it is because the child has an infection.

• A public health officer may say it is because the villagers do not have a good water system or use latrines.

• A social reformer may say the unhealthy conditions that lead to frequent childhood diarrhea are caused by an unfair distribution of land and wealth.

• A teacher may place the blame on a lack of education.

THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG, it is important to understand each other to respect cultures and to know how to assist a sick child when to go to the clinic and even better how to prevent a disease.

Signs of severe illnesses in children:

Children can suffer from very severe illnesses. It is important to know the signs and symptoms to prevent complications and to assist the child in due time.

The signs you must know:

• Difficulty in breathing
• No interest in drinking or breastfeeding
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth and cracked lips
• Very high or low temperature
• Pale skin
• Blue lips
• Irritable or upset behaviour
• Unusual sleepiness
• Unconsciousness
• Fitting

In any of these cases call the ambulance immediately or bring them to a health worker.