Gladys N., 12

Gladys is a 12-year-old girl and the eldest of four children. She lives with her father and younger siblings after her mother left home to seek employment and never returned. Her father is the sole provider, earning approximately USD 10 monthly from selling vegetables and maize grown on a small piece of land. The family lives in a single-room mud house without electricity, which leaks during heavy rains, and they walk over 30 minutes to obtain water. Gladys developed a five-day history of high-grade fever and productive cough with yellowish sputum, followed by worsening difficulty in breathing, right-sided chest pain aggravated by coughing, generalized weakness, poor appetite and lethargy. Despite using over-the-counter medication, her condition deteriorated, while financial difficulties contributed to delayed hospital care. . After learning of her condition, Community Health Promoter, Cleophas Wafula visited the family and informed them about possible support through Helpster Charity Foundation at Bulondo Health Centre. Following assessment, she was diagnosed with severe bacterial pneumonia complicated by septicaemia, requiring urgent inpatient treatment

Gladys was diagnosed with severe bacterial pneumonia complicated by septicaemia, a potentially life-threatening condition requiring urgent inpatient treatment. The combination places her at risk of hypoxia, respiratory failure, septic shock and organ dysfunction if inadequately treated. She requires appropriate intravenous antibiotics, supportive care, hydration and close monitoring. Her prognosis is favourable.