Mercy G., 1

Mercy is the youngest child in a family of two children. She lives with both her parents in Kolal Village in a modest iron-sheet house with one bedroom and no electricity. Her mother is unemployed, leaving her father as the sole provider. He earns a living through farming, using proceeds from farm produce to support the family’s basic needs. Her mother reported that Mercy had developed concerning symptoms, including a runny nose, high fever, persistent vomiting, poor feeding, cough, body pain (noted when she was touched), and difficulty in breathing. Despite the severity of her condition, Mercy was not taken to the hospital immediately because her father was away for three days, and there was no one available to stay behind with the other child. When the father returned and found Mercy in a critical state, he quickly transported her to the hospital using a bicycle. Upon arrival, the family expressed their inability to afford consultation fees. It was at the facility that they were introduced to Helpster Charity by a staff member, who informed them that Mercy could receive medical care despite their financial challenges.

Mercy Giftwas treated with Iv Artesonate, iv ceftriaxone, per rectal Gacet, paracetamol syrup, predinsolone syrup, multivitamin syrup gentamycin injection and Artemether Lumefantrine. She responded so well to the care and management that was given to her and her condition improved, she became stable and active and was dicharged home on Augmentin syrup, paracetamol syrup, cetrizine syrup and multivitamin syrup to continue with at home.She was given a booking for medical outpatient clinic for review which confirmed that Mercy was doing well and had fully recovered.

Mercy was diagnosed with severe malaria alongside severe pneumonia, a dangerous combination, especially in young children. Her symptoms—high fever, persistent vomiting, poor feeding, body pain, cough, and difficulty in breathing—indicate that both infections were advanced at the time of presentation. Severe malaria suggests a high level of parasites in the blood, which can affect vital organs and lead to complications such as anemia or altered consciousness. At the same time, severe pneumonia indicates a serious lung infection that was already compromising her breathing and oxygen levels. This dual diagnosis required urgent hospital admission and aggressive management. Mercy’s prognosis is guarded but improving with treatment. If she responds well to treatment within the first 48–72 hours, her chances of recovery improve significantly She will likely require several days of close monitoring in the hospital There is a risk of complications such as severe anemia, respiratory distress, or prolonged weakness, but these can be managed with proper care