Willen Dillan O., 1

Willen is the first child of a teenage mother, and both live with the mother's grandparents. His mother, who had to drop out of school at a young age, juggles between caring for Dillan and assisting her grandparents on their farm. Having been orphaned as a child, she considers her grandparents her parents and primary providers. willen's grandparents are peasant farmers who cultivate a small piece of land for food. Additionally, the grandmother occasionally weaves ropes from sisal, which, when sold, provides a small income to cover some of Dillan’s basic needs. When healthy, Dillan is an energetic and adventurous child. He often climbs on rails and stools, keeping his mother constantly on edge. He responds when spoken to, and although he has not yet started speaking, he can still express himself. Willen has had a recurring fever for the past few days, and was treated during a hospital outreach. His mother noted a slight improvement in his condition. However, on this particular day, he suddenly developed convulsions and was rushed to the facility while unconscious for urgent medical care.

Willen was brought in while convulsing and unconscious. He was admitted immediately, and tests revealed a high malaria parasite load. He remained in the ward for two nights for treatment. He improved steadily, and by the second night he was walking around the ward and interacting with the nurse on duty. He was discharged on oral medications, and a follow-up visit by the volunteer confirmed that he had fully recovered and returned to his normal activities.

If left untreated , severe malaria can lead to damage of the brain, neurological sequelae epilipesy, development delays, coma and even death. The patient even though was brought when already convulsing, the child received prompt treatment and management and is set to make a full recovery.