Shamsa Z., 10

Shamsa is a 10-year-old girl and the fourth of five children. Following her mother’s death, she lives with her grandmother, who earns approximately KSh 1,000 monthly from farming and selling vegetables. This income barely covers food and other basic needs, leaving little for healthcare or education. They live in a two-room mud house with a cow-dung-smeared floor, no electricity and stream water for domestic use. Shamsa developed headache, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, diarrhoea, chills and fever. As her condition worsened, she was taken to hospital and admitted for assessment, investigations and treatment. Her grandmother struggled to borrow money for the hospital bill. On learning of these difficulties, the hospital team directed her to the Helpster Charity coordinator. She sought assistance, and Shamsa was enrolled for support with her medical care. She remains admitted, receiving treatment and further investigations to establish the cause of her illness.

The doctor’s prognosis is that with early and appropriate treatment for peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and typhoid fever, the child is expected to recover, experience relief from abdominal pain and fever, regain appetite, and gradually return to normal daily activities. Treatment may include appropriate antibiotics for typhoid fever, medication to reduce stomach acid and promote ulcer healing, adequate fluids, and nutritional support, depending on the child’s clinical condition. With proper follow-up and adherence to prescribed medication, the child has a good chance of recovery. If left untreated, typhoid fever may lead to severe dehydration, intestinal bleeding or perforation, while peptic ulcer disease may worsen and cause serious complications.