Albert K., 13

Albert is a cheerful and hardworking boy who enjoys playing football with other children. He lives on the streets and does not know his parents or relatives. To survive, he collects recyclable materials for sale and sometimes relies on leftover food. He described hunger-related stomach discomfort as something he has become accustomed to. Five days before admission, Albert developed loose stools, severe abdominal pain, headache and episodes of bloody vomiting. Unlike his usual hunger pains, he described this pain as persistent, gnawing and increasingly severe, at times making him curl up and preventing him from carrying out his usual activities. He became progressively weak, dizzy, unable to eat properly and frightened by the worsening symptoms and blood in his vomit. Albert eventually told the other children how unwell he felt, and they alerted their guardian. Having learned that Helpster Charity was supporting qualifying cases at Good Hope Hospital, she brought Albert to the facility for further assessment and treatment and to seek assistance with his inpatient medical costs.

Albert was diagnosed with gastritis and amoebiasis, explaining his severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and poor oral intake. The reported bloody vomiting raises concern for significant gastric irritation or gastrointestinal bleeding. His progressive weakness and dizziness warrant inpatient treatment, including appropriate medication, hydration and monitoring for anaemia, electrolyte imbalance and further bleeding. With timely treatment and adequate nutritional support, his prognosis is favourable, although access to safe food, clean water and follow-up is important to prevent recurrence.