Halima M., 3

Three-year-old Halima lives with her grandmother in Gashua. Her grandmother is a farmer earning about ₦4,000, which is used to provide food and meet their basic needs. Despite limited resources, she does her best to care for Halima. Halima was brought to the hospital seriously ill and diagnosed with severe cerebral malaria, a life-threatening form of malaria affecting the brain. She presented with high fever, severe weakness, reduced responsiveness, and episodes of convulsions. Her condition required urgent medical attention and close monitoring, as cerebral malaria can progress rapidly and cause unconsciousness, breathing difficulties, severe anaemia, low blood sugar, and other serious complications. Timely treatment was essential to control the infection, manage complications, and give Halima the best chance of recovery.

Halima was admitted to the hospital for urgent treatment of severe cerebral malaria. She was given parenteral artesunate as recommended for severe malaria, followed by a full course of oral artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) once she was able to take medication by mouth. Recovery: Halima responded well to treatment and was discharged in a stable condition after clinical improvement. Her caregivers were advised to complete all prescribed medication, attend follow-up appointments and seek immediate medical attention if fever, convulsions, unusual sleepiness or altered consciousness returned.

Halima’s severe cerebral malaria is a serious, life-threatening condition requiring urgent hospital treatment and close monitoring. As a 3-year-old child, she is particularly vulnerable to severe complications. Prompt antimalarial treatment and supportive care are essential to prevent neurological and organ damage. If left untreated, the condition can rapidly worsen, causing prolonged unconsciousness, brain injury, organ complications, and potentially death. With timely and complete treatment, Halima has a favourable prognosis. Close monitoring of her neurological status, blood glucose, hydration, temperature, and other complications is important. Follow-up after recovery is also recommended to monitor her development and overall health.