Jayden O., 1

Jayden is the second-born and a twin in a family of three children. He lives with his siblings and grandmother in a two-roomed mud house. His mother died during his infancy, and his father abandoned the family. His grandmother supports them through irregular casual work, including tilling farms, but struggles to meet their basic and healthcare needs. Jayden developed diarrhoea and vomiting. His grandmother initially gave him traditional herbs, but when he failed to improve, she took him to a nearby dispensary, where he was admitted. His condition worsened despite treatment; he stopped eating and became less responsive. The team recommended referral to Siaya County Referral Hospital, but his grandmother feared the costs. After a nurse explained Helpster’s support and showed her a poster, she agreed to the referral. With no one to care for the other children, she brought them all to hospital, highlighting the burden she carries as their sole caregiver.

The prognosis is guarded but potentially good with prompt and appropriate treatment. As a 1-year-old with severe sepsis secondary to severe malaria, the child is at risk of complications such as altered consciousness, severe anemia, respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, and organ dysfunction. With timely antimalarial therapy, antibiotics where indicated, supportive care, and close monitoring, recovery is possible and the risk of long-term complications can be reduced.