Abraham M., 13

Abraham is a 13-year-old boy and the eldest of six children living with his family in Madisi Village. His father works as a boda boda rider, earning about KSh 2,000 monthly, while his mother is a housewife. The limited income makes meeting the family’s basic needs and healthcare expenses difficult. Abraham is respectful and hardworking, enjoys football and reading, and dreams of becoming a teacher. He had been well until two days before admission, when he developed persistent cough, abdominal pain, headache, diarrhoea and repeated vomiting. His condition progressively worsened; he became extremely weak, febrile, unable to eat normally and too unwell to carry out his usual activities. His father initially bought over-the-counter medication for Abraham and his twin brother, Isaack, but there was no improvement. His mother then took him to Bokoli Sub-County Hospital, where she hoped to receive Helpster support. Investigations confirmed severe malaria and pneumonia, requiring admission. Abraham received antimalarials, antibiotics, IV fluids and supportive care and is responding well to treatment.

Abraham was diagnosed with severe malaria and pneumonia after presenting with fever, marked weakness, cough, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache and abdominal pain. The combination can deteriorate rapidly and may cause respiratory distress, dehydration, severe anaemia, sepsis or organ dysfunction. His admission for antimalarials, antibiotics, IV fluids and close monitoring was necessary. His good response to treatment is reassuring, and his prognosis is favourable, with full recovery expected if improvement continues.