Eunice is a 25-year-old woman living in Bikurungu, a small village in rural Uganda. She has two children; a 5-year-old daughter named Rose and an 18-month-old son, Bosco.  Eunice tries to keep Bosco clean and away from water that she knows can carry disease.  But Eunice's daily activities revolve around water.  She does all the cooking and cleaning, washing the laundry and fetching the water from the nearby pump.  Bosco has recently developed a bout of diarrhea, but Eunice does not worry until he begins to have loose stools several times an hour.

Eunice knows from experience with Rose that although the diarrhea may get worse as Bosco eats and drinks, she must continue to keep him well-fed and give him lots of fluids.  Previously with Rose, the diarrhea stopped after Eunice stopped giving her fluids when she noticed the diarrhea got worse.  Eunice did not know this was because Rose was severly dehydrated.  Only a few days later, Eunice noticed that Rose's legs were cold to the touch and her skin was yellowing. Eunice took her to the local hospital where she was fortunate to have a doctor see her right away. Rose was given an IV drip and returned to good health the next day.  

Now, Eunice knows not to stop giving liquids again and that the absence of diarrhea is not always a good sign.  When Rose had diarrhea, Eunice was told by the doctor at the clinic that she could make her own oral rehydration salts from ingredients she already has at home. She now plans to give ORS to Bosco.  Eunice cannot remember the exact amounts, but remembers that there is more sugar than salt and the water must be clean.  She begins to boil water and seeks the help of a well-known community health worker who mixes the ORS with her, teaching her the proper amounts in case either of her children is sick again.  Within a few days, Bosco is back to his normal, healthy self.