Steven O., 4

Steve is the third-born child in his family. He lives with his single mother, grandmother, three siblings, and an uncle in a small, single-room mud-walled house. His mother is unemployed and depends on small-scale peasant farming and occasional manual labor to provide for the family, though the income is minimal and unreliable. Despite these challenges, his mother describes Steve as a playful and cheerful child when he is well, especially around familiar people. According to his mother, on a Monday morning, Steve woke up feeling fine and followed his usual routine. He had breakfast at home and went to school, where he attended his classes without any complaints. Later in the day, he returned home for lunch, ate his meal, and went out to play with his friends, as he typically did every afternoon. However, on this particular day, Steve returned home much earlier than usual. His mother immediately noticed that he looked unwell and less energetic. Shortly after arriving, he began vomiting repeatedly and soon developed frequent episodes of diarrhoea. His condition quickly worsened—he became weak, lethargic, and unable to play or even sit up on his own. He appeared visibly dehydrated, with dry lips, sunken eyes, and reduced activity. He was no longer able to tolerate food or fluids, and his general condition deteriorated rapidly, causing great concern to his mother. Alarmed by the sudden and severe change in her child’s condition, his mother rushed him to the hospital for urgent medical attention. While at the hospital, Steve experienced one episode of convulsions, further indicating the severity of his illness and prompting immediate medical intervention by the healthcare team. During the admission process, a healthcare worker at the facility identified the family’s financial difficulties and informed them about Helpster Charity. They were guided on how the program supports underprivileged children with medical care, and the case was subsequently initiated to ensure Steve could receive the necessary treatment without financial barriers.

Steven was brought to the hospital with complaints of stomach pain, and diarrhea. He was admitted to the ward, his vitals were taken and charted, he was also administered zinc sulphate xpen, gentamicin to among other drugs. He responded well to medication and was duly discharged on orals .

Steve’s condition is consistent with severe dehydration secondary to acute gastroenteritis, complicated by electrolyte imbalance and a convulsion episode. This indicates a severe illness requiring urgent medical intervention. He has been admitted for close monitoring and management, including intravenous fluid resuscitation, correction of electrolyte abnormalities, and supportive care. The convulsion is likely secondary to electrolyte disturbance or severe dehydration, and he will be closely observed for any recurrence. With prompt and appropriate treatment, the prognosis is generally good. Steve is expected to gradually regain hydration, stabilize clinically, and recover fully. However, the first 24–48 hours are critical and require careful monitoring to prevent complications