Shamsiya M., 27

Shamsiya is a 27-year-old mother of four and wife of Musa. She lives with her husband and children, including twins, in a two-room clay house with a thatched roof. Her husband is a farmer who grows rice and sesame seeds and earns about ₦13,000 monthly. Only one of their children attends school. The family relies on a community borehole for water and has electricity, but their limited income makes it difficult to afford food, healthcare, and other essential needs. Shamsiya was brought to the hospital after several days of high fever, chills, severe weakness, headache, vomiting, loss of appetite, and body pains. Her condition worsened with dizziness and extreme fatigue. Following clinical assessment and laboratory investigations, she was diagnosed with severe malaria in pregnancy. She required prompt medical treatment and close monitoring to protect both her health and that of her unborn baby.

Doctor’s Opinion Shamsiya’s condition is serious and requires urgent treatment and close monitoring. The doctor recommends appropriate antimalarial treatment, supportive care, and regular monitoring of both the mother and unborn baby to prevent complications. Prognosis With prompt and effective treatment, Shamsiya has a good chance of recovery. However, severe malaria during pregnancy can become life-threatening if treatment is delayed, so continued medical supervision and follow-up are essential. If left untreated, severe malaria in pregnancy can cause severe anaemia, organ complications, maternal illness, fetal growth problems, premature delivery, and potentially life-threatening complications for both mother and baby.