Mirriam A., 1

Mirriam is a seven-month-old baby and the third-born in a family of three children. She lives with her parents and siblings in a two-roomed mud-walled house without electricity. Both parents are peasant farmers who depend mainly on farm produce to feed and provide for their children, leaving the household with very limited cash for unexpected expenses. Mirriam had been unwell for two days with high fever, persistent cough, difficulty breathing and refusal to breastfeed. Her mother initially gave her paracetamol syrup available at home, but her condition continued to deteriorate. Mirriam became increasingly weak and unusually quiet, breastfed very little, had reduced activity and appeared to struggle more with breathing. Her mother wanted to seek care earlier but could not afford transport. When Mirriam became markedly lethargic and visibly ill, she asked a neighbour with a motorcycle to take them to hospital on the promise of paying later. On arrival, Mirriam was febrile, lethargic and very sick-looking, requiring prompt medical attention. At the facility, a staff member informed her mother about Helpster Charity and the support available for eligible patients.

Mirriam was diagnosed with severe malaria and severe pneumonia, a potentially life-threatening combination in a seven-month-old infant. Severe malaria may cause anaemia, seizures, hypoglycaemia or organ dysfunction, while severe pneumonia can lead to hypoxia, sepsis and respiratory failure. Her lethargy, poor breastfeeding and breathing difficulty warranted urgent inpatient treatment and close monitoring. With appropriate antimalarials, antibiotics, oxygen and supportive care as indicated, her prognosis is favourable,