David O., 18

David is the first-born in a family of four children. He lives with his parents and siblings in a modest two-roomed, mud-walled house without electricity. Both parents are peasant farmers who depend on selling their farm produce to meet the family’s basic needs, leaving them with limited resources for unexpected expenses. David is a hardworking and caring boy who enjoys playing football and reading. He is committed to his education and dreams of becoming a doctor in the future. David began feeling unwell about two days before seeking medical attention. Initially, his symptoms were mild enough for him to continue attending school. However, on the day he was taken to hospital, his condition worsened significantly, with severe pain, marked weakness and vomiting. His mother accompanied him to the hospital for assessment and treatment. The family had previously learned about Helpster Charity during a parents’ meeting at David’s school, where information about the organization and its support was shared.

DAVID WAS DIAGNOSED WITH SEVERE MALARIA AND PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE AND WAS MANAGED WITH ANTIMALARIALS, ANTIBIOTICS, ANTIPYRETICS, ANTIACIDS AND OTHER DRUGS AS PER THE MEDICAL REPORT. HE RESPONDED SO WELL TO THE CARE AND MANAGEMENT THAT WAS GIVEN TO HIM AND HE STABILIZED, HE WAS THEN DISCHARGED HOME ON ORAL MEDICATIONS TO COMPLETE AT HOME.

David was diagnosed with severe malaria and peptic ulcer disease, requiring prompt treatment and close monitoring. With appropriate antimalarial therapy, management of his ulcer disease, adequate hydration and follow-up, his prognosis is generally favourable. If inadequately treated, severe malaria may cause severe anaemia, seizures, altered consciousness, kidney injury, respiratory distress, multiple-organ failure or death. Untreated peptic ulcers may lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation or obstruction.