Elly B., 6

Elly is a 6-year-old boy from a family of eight. He is being raised by his grandmother, who is the sole provider for the household. Her only source of income is small-scale farming, which earns her about KSh 2,000 per month. The family lives in very modest conditions - a single-room house made of iron sheets and mud walls with a cemented floor. Financial hardship has made it difficult for them to afford basic healthcare. Elly is a cheerful and active child who enjoys going to school and playing with his friends and siblings. His grandmother wakes up as early as 5 a.m. each day to fetch water and prepare porridge over a firewood stove. Despite their challenges, Elly remains a bright and happy child. Elly fell ill three days ago, but the family couldn’t raise enough money to seek medical care. As his condition worsened, his grandmother finally took him to the hospital. He was diagnosed with anemia. Four months earlier, Elly had been diagnosed with critically low hemoglobin levels and was prescribed supplements. However, his family could not afford the medication, and he only received two months’ worth of drugs through the help of well-wishers. Since then, his health has deteriorated - he frequently experiences headaches and fatigue. Without continued support, his condition is likely to worsen further.

Elly is a known Sickler and was diagnosed with severe malaria he was admitted and was given antibiotics ,sickle cell drugs and rehydrating fluids. As he started feeling better, he was discharged from the hospital to continue his treatment at home and also advised to continue with outpatient sickle cell clinic. During the check-up call, the Helpster volunteer heard from Elly's mother said he is now fully recovered and back to his normal life.

Elly was treated and if he was left untreated it could have lead to a host of complications, including: Stroke. Sickle cells can block blood flow to the brain. Signs of stroke include seizures, weakness or numbness of the arms and legs, sudden speech difficulties, and loss of consciousness.