Pauline K., 10

Pauline is a 10-year-old girl in Grade 3 and the second born in a family of five children. She lives with her grandmother, siblings, and cousins in a rural village after her mother left home several years ago and never returned. The elderly grandmother, who survives through small-scale farming, struggles to provide food, education, and healthcare for the large household. Due to financial hardship, Pauline’s older sister dropped out of school and now helps support the family through casual work such as fetching firewood for sale. Pauline was brought to the health facility together with her brother and sister, who all had similar wounds on their legs. They appeared weak and unwell, and according to the grandmother, the condition had persisted for nearly three months despite seeking help from several dispensaries. Due to financial difficulties, they were unable to access further treatment until they heard about a free medical inreach supported by Helpster Charity.

The girl was admitted in a sickly condition with persistent fever, widespread wounds on the leg, and generalized weakness. Following clinical assessment and investigations, she was diagnosed with cellulitis, a serious condition caused by infection leading to inflammation and skin manifestations. Her condition required immediate admission, close monitoring, antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and supportive treatment to prevent further complications. Without urgent medical intervention, the infection could have progressed and become life-threatening. Her prognosis is favorable