Esther A., 18

Esther is an 18-year-old expectant mother who dropped out of school because of difficult family circumstances and was married at a young age. She is a housewife, while her husband depends on occasional farm-ploughing work to provide food and meet the needs of their large household. As the only son among three older sisters, Esther's husband also supports nieces and nephews who remained in the family home after their mothers went off to get married, including helping with their education. His irregular and limited income is insufficient to cover the family’s basic needs or Esther’s medical expenses. Esther is expectant and presented with swollen legs, weakness, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, painful urination and a whitish vaginal discharge. Her husband brought her to the facility, where laboratory investigations were conducted, and the doctor recommended admission for further management. Unable to afford the hospital charges, he requested to take her home to look for money or transfer her to a public facility. Fortunately, the facility coordinator informed the couple about free treatment through Helpster Charity, which they gratefully accepted.

Esther was diagnosed with severe malaria and UTI in pregnancy, a significant combination requiring urgent inpatient treatment and maternal-fetal monitoring. Untreated UTI may progress to pyelonephritis and sepsis, while severe malaria can cause maternal anaemia, organ dysfunction, fetal growth restriction, preterm delivery, fetal compromise or pregnancy loss. Appropriate antimalarials, antibiotics, hydration and supportive care are necessary. A good response to treatment is expected.