Zubeda M., 14

Zubeda is a 14-year-old girl living in a rural community with her family. She is a known sickle cell disease patient and is cared for by both parents, although her mother, who works as a hawker in the local market, is the main provider. The income she earns is minimal, making it hard for the family to afford even basic healthcare. Zubeda was diagnosed with severely low hemoglobin levels and was started on medication. However, due to financial challenges, the family was only able to access a two-week supply that the hospital provided as a goodwill gesture. Since then, her condition has deteriorated—she now frequently experiences dizziness, generalized body malaise (G.B.M), and pain in her upper limbs. Without continued medical care, her health is at serious risk of further complications. She presented to the hospital with dizziness, general body malaise and severe pain in her upper limbs.

Zubeda, who has sickle cell disease, was diagnosed with anemia and severe pneumonia. She received antibiotics and rehydration fluids during her hospital stay. As her condition improved, she was discharged to continue treatment at home. During the follow-up call, the Helpster volunteer was happy to hear from her mother that Zubeda has fully recovered, returned to her normal routine, and is back in school.

Zubeda was treated and if she was left untreated, the anemia associated with sickle cell disease could have lead to serious complications and potentially premature death. Sickle cells, which are abnormally shaped, can block blood vessels, leading to oxygen deprivation in vital organs, causing pain, tissue damage, and organ failure. The chronic anemia itself contributes to a decline in overall health and quality of life