Samuel Odhiambo O., 1

Samuel is the youngest of five children and has a twin. The first three siblings live with their aunt in Madanga, while Samuel and his twin stay with their mother in a single-room rented house costing USD 50 per month. Their mother earns a small income selling sukuma wiki and tomatoes, while the father works as a hawker. Since Samuel’s admission, no other family member, including his father, has visited, and his father’s phone has remained switched off, leaving the mother to manage largely on her own. Samuel’s mother suspected pregnancy after missing her period for about five weeks and experiencing vomiting, headaches and night sweats. Due to her circumstances, she delayed seeking antenatal care until approximately four months into the pregnancy, when pregnancy was confirmed and she enrolled for ANC. She subsequently attended her scheduled clinics. At 36 weeks’ gestation, she developed abdominal pains and was rushed to Sigomere Sub-County Hospital, where she delivered Samuel vaginally. As he was born prematurely at 36 weeks, both mother and baby were referred to Siaya County Referral Hospital for further assessment, specialized neonatal care and monitoring.

Samuel, a preterm infant, was diagnosed with low birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome and neonatal sepsis, a serious combination requiring specialized neonatal care. Prematurity and low weight increase his vulnerability to breathing problems, infection, hypothermia and feeding difficulties. Respiratory support, antibiotics, temperature control, nutritional support and close monitoring are essential. With timely treatment and continued clinical improvement, his prognosis is cautiously favourable, although follow-up of growth and development will be important. Control Call