Noel N., 8

Noel is an eight-year-old girl and the second of four children. She lives with her grandmother, who supports the family through farming, earning approximately KSh 500. Their limited income makes food, medical care and other basic needs difficult to afford. They live in a two-room mud house with a cow-dung-smeared floor, no electricity and stream water for domestic use. Noel developed diarrhoea, vomiting, cough and fever. A Helpster volunteer referred her to hospital, where she was examined and admitted to the paediatric ward for further investigations, treatment and close monitoring. Her grandmother was deeply concerned about paying the hospital bill. The hospital team reassured her that arrangements would be made to support Noel’s medical expenses through Helpster Charity. This eased her worry and allowed Noel to receive the care she needed despite the family’s financial hardship.

The doctor explained that with prompt and appropriate treatment, close monitoring, and proper supportive care, the child has a good chance of recovering from severe malaria and the upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Treatment of severe malaria is essential to control the infection, reduce fever, restore strength, and prevent life-threatening complications. The respiratory infection should also be managed according to its cause and severity to help relieve symptoms and support breathing and recovery. If left untreated, severe malaria may progress rapidly and cause severe anaemia, convulsions, impaired consciousness, organ damage, or even death