Sheila S., 6

Sheila is a 6-year-old girl and the third-born in a family of four children. She lives with both parents, who have mental illness, in a small two-room mud house without electricity. The family walks more than 30 minutes to fetch water from a well and survives under extreme poverty. Her mother depends on begging for food and small amounts of money, often collecting less than KSh 400 in a month. Despite these hardships, Sheila attends Grade 2, enjoys singing, playing with friends, and helping with simple household chores. She dreams of becoming a teacher. Three days before admission, Sheila developed frequent diarrhoea mixed with blood and mucus, persistent vomiting, fever, lower abdominal pain, poor appetite, generalized weakness, and progressive dehydration. She was taken to the hospital, where clinical assessment confirmed enteritis and amoebic dysentery with mild dehydration. She required urgent rehydration, medication, and close monitoring. Because her family could not afford treatment, a Helpster volunteer referred her for emergency medical support. Through Helpster Charity, Sheila received timely treatment and is responding well, with improving hydration and gradual recovery.

Sheila has been diagnosed with amoebic dysentery complicated by severe dehydration. The persistent diarrhoea and vomiting placed her at risk of significant fluid and electrolyte loss, making urgent treatment essential. She is receiving appropriate antiparasitic medication, rehydration therapy, supportive care, and close monitoring. With early diagnosis and prompt treatment, her prognosis is favourable, and she is expected to recover fully. However, delayed treatment could have resulted in shock, severe electrolyte imbalance, organ dysfunction, or death. Continued hydration, good nutrition, and follow-up care are important for complete recovery.