Lilian K., 16

Lilian is a 16-year-old Grade 7 pupil and the third-born in a family of six living in a rural community. She is hardworking, respectful, and enjoys reading, participating in school activities, and helping her father with farming. She dreams of becoming a nurse to serve her community. Her father, a small-scale farmer, earns about KSh 1,000 per month from selling vegetables, leaving the family struggling to meet basic needs. They live in a three-room mud house without electricity and rely on well water. Two days before admission, Lilian developed persistent vomiting, severe headache, abdominal pain, and marked body weakness. She became unable to eat or drink and progressively grew weaker. Financial hardship delayed medical care until a Helpster volunteer informed the family about free treatment at Bulondo Health Centre. Lilian was assessed, enrolled in the Helpster program, and admitted for treatment. She is currently receiving appropriate medical care, supportive treatment, and close monitoring, and her condition is steadily improving.

Lilian has been diagnosed with severe malaria complicated by severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, all of which are medical emergencies requiring immediate hospital care. She is receiving intravenous antimalarial medication, fluid resuscitation, correction of electrolyte abnormalities, and close monitoring. With prompt and appropriate treatment, her prognosis is favourable, and she is expected to recover fully. However, delayed or interrupted treatment could lead to shock, kidney injury, seizures, organ failure, or death. Completion of treatment, adequate hydration, and follow-up care are essential for a full recovery.