Esther N., 14

Esther is a 14-year-old girl who lives with her mother in the village. Her father passed away last year due to lack of money for medical care. She relies on her mother, a dedicated small-scale farmer who grows vegetables and sells them in the nearby market, earning about 3,000 shillings a month. Esther is in Grade 8 and dreams of becoming a teacher. She is determined to work hard in school so that in the future she can support her mother. She also enjoys farming alongside her. For the past five days, Esther had been experiencing severe headaches, joint pains, swelling of the legs, fainting episodes, general body weakness, and dark-colored urine. She was first taken to a local private clinic, but her condition did not improve. She was then referred to a health facility, where on arrival she appeared sick, pale, weak, and with swelling (edema). Laboratory tests confirmed severe malaria with severe anemia, and she was admitted for treatment and further management.

Esther arrived at the facility weak and fainting, with severe headache, joint pain, swelling of the lower limbs, marked pallor, and general body weakness. Laboratory investigations revealed severe anaemia secondary to severe malaria. She was started on antimalarial treatment, received two units of blood transfusion to restore her blood levels, and received comprehensive supportive care until she stabilized and was discharged home. Her mother expressed gratitude to Helpster Charity and the entire Mt. Elgon Sub-County Hospital team for supporting needy patients like her daughter.

Prognosis is fair Esther presented to the hospital with a low haemoglobin level Severe anemia and severe malaria is a life threatening condition on late intervention or left untreated could have resulted to heart and lung problems, such as an enlarged heart or heart failure, as well as increased risk of infection and developmental delays in children, cerebral malaria and other risks.