Ibrahim L., 16

Sixteen-year-old Lamido lives with his parents in Kanamma Village. His parents are petty traders earning about ₦6,500 monthly, making it difficult to afford basic needs, education, and healthcare. Despite these challenges, Lamido dreams of becoming a nurse and helping others in his community. He presented with several months of persistent right-sided flank pain, painful and frequent urination, and recurrent fever. He was diagnosed with right hydronephrosis complicated by chronic cystitis. The condition resulted from obstruction of normal urine flow from his right kidney, causing the kidney to swell and increasing the risk of permanent damage. Chronic cystitis also contributed to his ongoing urinary symptoms and discomfort. His family’s limited resources made accessing the investigations and treatment he needed extremely difficult.

Lamido was diagnosed with right hydronephrosis complicated by chronic cystitis. Prompt treatment is essential, as prolonged urinary obstruction can cause kidney damage, while persistent infection may spread to the kidneys or bloodstream. He has been admitted for medical care, including intravenous fluids, antibiotics, pain management, and further urological evaluation to identify the cause of the obstruction. Surgical or minimally invasive intervention may be required to restore normal urine flow. With timely treatment and appropriate follow-up, the prognosis is good, and kidney function can be preserved. Delayed treatment may result in permanent kidney damage and recurrent infections.