John K., 12

Kiptoo, a Grade 5 pupil, lives with his mother, who is the family’s sole provider. She is a small-scale farmer earning about KES 2,500 per month from selling vegetables, which makes supporting the family challenging. Kiptoo is a bright and ambitious boy with dreams of becoming a teacher. He enjoys playing football, although he tires easily and cannot participate fully. Over the past five days, Kiptoo has experienced headache, joint pain, swelling in his lower limbs, fainting, general weakness, and dark-colored urine. He had previously been treated for malaria, completing a course of artesunate injections followed by artemether-lumefantrine (AL) at a nearby dispensary ten days ago. Upon arrival at the facility, Kiptoo appeared pale, weak, and had facial puffiness and generalized edema. Laboratory investigations confirmed a diagnosis of acute glomerulonephritis, severe malaria, and severe anemia.

Upon arrival at the hospital, Kiptoo appeared pale, weak, with facial puffiness and generalized body swelling. Laboratory investigations confirmed a diagnosis of acute glomerulonephritis, severe malaria, and severe anaemia. He was admitted for urgent treatment and started on IV furosemide (Lasix), IV antibiotics, blood transfusion, and artesunate, alongside close monitoring and supportive care. Over time, Kiptoo showed steady improvement, regained strength, and eventually made a full recovery. He was discharged in stable condition with medication and follow-up instructions. He later returned to the clinic for review, where he was confirmed to be progressing well and was advised to complete the full course of the prescribed medication.

With timely and appropriate medical management, Kiptoo’s acute glomerulonephritis, severe malaria, and severe anemia can improve. Close monitoring, continued treatment, and supportive care - such as managing anemia, maintaining fluid balance, and treating malaria - are essential for recovery. If complications are avoided, Kiptoo has a good chance of regaining his strength, normalizing kidney function, and returning to his daily activities and school.