Welcome to this course on Managing Acute Gastroenteritis in Children.


This course is aimed at Medical Officers, Primary Care Nurse Specialists, Registered Nurses (General & Speciality), WCGHW Trainers, WCCN Lecturers & Clinical Facilitators, Enrolled Nurses, Rehabilitative and Therapeutic Health Professionals in primary care facilities. 

This course has been designed to equip healthcare providers with the essential knowledge and skills required to effectively prevent, assess, recognise and manage acute gastroenteritis in children.

About the course

  • Course Design: Self-directed

  • Duration: It will take about 4 hours to complete.

  • Eligibility for this course: Medical Officers, Primary Care Nurse Specialists, Registered Nurses (General & Speciality), WCGHW Trainers, WCCN Lecturers & Clinical Facilitators, Enrolled Nurses, Rehabilitative and Therapeutic Health Professionals in primary care facilities.

  • Accreditation: This course is accredited for:
    • HPCSA: 4 Clinical CPD points (Level 1)
    • WCDHW Nursing CPD accreditation: 3 points (1 in Area of Practice; 2 in Actioning)

  • Certification: Participants need 70% pass mark for final quiz.

  • Published: April 2026

If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply to start:

Your supervisor details are required

Apply to enroll

Course outline

This course covers the following content:

Managing Acute Gastroenteritis in Children including:
  • Introduction to acute gastroenteritis in children
  • Diarrhoea and dysentery
  • Prevention of gastroenteritis
  • Recognition of shock and dehydration
  • Oral fluids; ORS Trial
  • Discharging clients safely
  • Rapid rehydration
  • Hospital Management
  • Practical skills: Intraosseous and nasogastric tube insertion


Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness
People Development Centre

Acknowledgements:

  • University of Cape Town’s Knowledge & Instructional Development (KIDS) Training Hub
  • Knowledge Translation Unit