Euniva Y., 12

Yuvanca is a 12-year-old Grade Five pupil and the eldest of four children. She currently lives with her grandmother in the village, while her mother works in town doing domestic and other casual jobs to support the children and grandparents. Her grandmother also undertakes occasional farm work for neighbours to supplement the household’s limited income. Yuvanca enjoys playing with friends and participating in athletics. She dreams of becoming a doctor so she can help others facing health challenges. Two days before presentation, Yuvanca’s health deteriorated significantly. She developed persistent headache, cough, cold symptoms, chest pain and increasing difficulty breathing. She became markedly weak, exhausted and less active, with poor appetite and difficulty carrying out her usual activities. Her breathing became increasingly uncomfortable, leaving her visibly distressed and unable to play normally. After receiving information about Helpster Charity from a facility coordinator, her family brought her for assessment. She appeared sick-looking, weak and tired and was diagnosed with pneumonia, requiring immediate admission for treatment and close monitoring.

Yuvanca was diagnosed with severe pneumonia after presenting with worsening cough, chest pain, breathing difficulty and marked weakness. Her condition required inpatient treatment with appropriate antibiotics, oxygen where indicated, hydration and close monitoring. Without timely treatment, severe pneumonia may cause hypoxia, sepsis or respiratory failure. Full recovery is expected.