Ladasha O., 1

Ladasha is the only child of a single mother. They live in a one-room house after her father abandoned the family when she was an infant. Her mother is unemployed and relies on Ladasha’s aunt, who sells charcoal by the roadside, for their basic needs. Ladasha had been well until her mother noticed that she had developed a high fever, followed by diarrhoea and vomiting. Her mother borrowed Oral Rehydration Solution from a neighbour, hoping it would help, but the child’s condition did not improve. By the third day, Ladasha had become very weak and was unable to eat. Her mother sought assistance from the local Community Health Volunteer, who assessed Ladasha and found that she had severe malaria. She was advised to take the child to hospital urgently. However, with no medical insurance or money for transport and treatment, her mother was initially hesitant. Recognising the urgency, the CHV informed her about Helpster Charity and provided transport fare, enabling Ladasha to reach the hospital without further delay.

The medical prognosis is guarded and potentially life-threatening, because severe malaria in a 1½-year-old can deteriorate rapidly, especially when accompanied by gastroenteritis, vomiting and diarrhoea, which can cause dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. With prompt hospital treatment, including appropriate antimalarial therapy, rehydration, monitoring and management of complications, the child can make a good recovery. However, without timely treatment, severe malaria can lead to severe anaemia, hypoglycaemia, seizures, altered consciousness, shock, organ failure, or death