Morine A., 20

Morine is a 20-year-old Form Four leaver and the third-born in a family of six children. She lives with her mother and siblings in a financially struggling household. Two of her brothers dropped out because the family could not consistently afford school fees and other requirements. They now take whatever casual jobs they can find to help support their mother and keep the younger siblings in school. At times, the household struggles to afford adequate daily meals. For about three months, Morine had experienced recurrent illness associated with widespread skin lesions that gradually affected her appearance and general wellbeing. As her condition worsened, she became extremely weak, developed extensive infected-looking rashes and struggled to walk comfortably. Morine eventually went to hospital alone but remained stranded at the waiting area because she had no money to begin treatment. A staff member noticed her poor health and concerned about why she was not getting into the consultation room to be seen by te doctor, when she said she does not have money, the staff member facilitated assistance through Helpster Charity.

Morine presented with an extensive infected scalp condition, characterized by painful widespread rashes, inflammation and foul-smelling discharge, consistent with a severe bacterial skin infection. The infection subsequently spread beyond the local site and resulted in septicaemia, making her condition potentially life-threatening and necessitating hospital admission for IV antibiotics, wound care, pain management and close monitoring. She has shown a satisfactory response, with reduced inflammation and discharge. With continued treatment and proper wound care, her prognosis is favourable, with progressive healing expected.