Natasha N., 1

Natasha is a one-year-old girl living with her mother, grandparents, and six cousins in a small two-room mud house without electricity. Her mother is the family's sole breadwinner, earning about KSh 1,500 per month by selling sesame (sim sim) and groundnuts, while her grandmother supplements the family's food through small-scale farming. Despite these efforts, the household struggles to meet even its basic needs. Two days before admission, Natasha developed persistent vomiting, became extremely weak, lethargic, and was unable to retain feeds. Because of financial hardship, her grandparents were unable to seek medical care. During a routine household visit, a Community Health Promoter found Natasha critically ill and referred the family to Bulondo Health Centre after informing them about Helpster Charity. At the facility, investigations confirmed severe malaria with dehydration. Natasha was immediately admitted and started on intravenous artesunate, intravenous fluids, and supportive treatment. She remains under close medical observation and is responding well to treatment.

Natasha has been diagnosed with severe malaria complicated by dehydration, a life-threatening condition requiring urgent hospital care. She is receiving appropriate antimalarial medication, intravenous fluids, supportive treatment, and close monitoring. With early diagnosis and prompt treatment, her prognosis is favourable, and she is expected to recover fully. However, delayed or untreated severe malaria may rapidly lead to severe anaemia, seizures, coma, kidney failure, shock, permanent neurological injury, or death. Continued treatment, hydration, and follow-up are essential for complete recovery.