Samira A., 5

Samira Akter is a 5-year-old Class 1 student who is a cheerful and caring child living with her grandparents in Geneva Camp, Mohammadpur, Dhaka. Her father is not regularly involved in her care, while her mother lives separately, leaving her grandfather as the main caregiver and sole earner, earning only about USD 65 per month from pulling a rickshaw, which is insufficient to cover the family’s basic needs and Samira’s urgent medical expenses. She developed a painful right ear infection with foul-smelling discharge, high-grade fever, reduced hearing, and a growing swelling behind the ear, which was diagnosed as chronic otitis media with a post-auricular abscess. Without timely treatment, the infection could worsen and spread to surrounding tissues, causing serious complications and further affecting her hearing. Her family learned about Helpster Charity through a medical outreach camp in Geneva Camp and is seeking support for her treatment.

Incision and drainage of the post-auricular abscess with aural suction, followed by appropriate antibiotics, antihistamines, and analgesics, is expected to control the infection, reduce pain and swelling, and improve the ear discharge and hearing-related symptoms. With timely treatment and proper follow-up, Samira is expected to recover and avoid further complications. If left untreated, the infection and abscess may worsen and can cause persistent hearing problems or spread to surrounding tissues and deeper structures, potentially leading to serious complications. Timely treatment is therefore important for her recovery and long-term ear health.