Precious W., 6

Precious is a 6-year-old girl, the youngest of five children, living with sickle cell disease. She is in Grade 2, having started school late because of frequent illness. Her father abandoned the family after learning of her diagnosis, leaving her mother to raise the children alone by selling sim sim and occasionally relying on well-wishers, earning about KSh 500 per month. The family lives in a small house without electricity and often struggles to afford food, medication, and other basic needs. Despite these hardships, Precious remains cheerful and dreams of becoming a doctor. During an in-reach clinic, Precious was brought by her mother after years of irregular follow-up caused by financial hardship. She had mainly relied on herbal remedies and occasional folic acid. She presented looking acutely ill with severe lower back pain, marked weakness, dizziness, poor appetite, and extreme fatigue, making it difficult for her to walk or carry out normal activities. She is now undergoing assessment and treatment for complications of sickle cell disease, with plans for comprehensive long-term care and regular follow-up.

Precious has been diagnosed with a vaso-occlusive crisis and anaemia secondary to sickle cell disease. These complications require prompt treatment with pain control, hydration, treatment of any underlying triggers, folic acid supplementation, and close monitoring. Severe anaemia may occasionally require blood transfusion if clinically indicated. With timely and comprehensive management, her condition is expected to improve. However, poor follow-up and interrupted treatment increase the risk of recurrent painful crises, severe complications, organ damage, and impaired growth. Regular specialist care is essential for a better long-term outcome.