Ishmael O., 11

Ishmael is the second-born in a family of six, with three sisters and both parents. As the only boy among the siblings, Ishmael tends to enjoy games often associated with girls, such as making clay dolls, playing beanbags, and role-playing house games. His mother describes him as a quiet and reserved child, especially in unfamiliar settings. The family lives in a single-roomed house and survives on daily casual labor, earning just enough to get by. On a Monday morning, Ishmael went to school as usual. When he returned home for lunch, his mother noticed he appeared unusually tired, although he insisted he was fine. He returned to school after lunch but still complained of fatigue later that evening. Concerned, his mother gave him some painkillers. The following day, she took him to a nearby dispensary, where he was diagnosed with malaria and prescribed injections and medication to take at home. That night, after eating, Ishmael vomited everything he had consumed. On Wednesday, his mother prepared porridge, but by Thursday, there was no noticeable improvement. She then took him to another health facility, where he was again diagnosed with malaria and started on a three-day injection course. Despite the treatment, his condition worsened. At this point, the healthcare workers at the second facility issued a referral to Siaya County Referral Hospital. Ishmael was so weak he couldn't sit up and had begun passing dark-colored urine, resembling blood. Upon arrival at the hospital's emergency unit, his condition was deemed critical, and he was immediately placed on oxygen support.

Wesley was brought to the hospital jaundiced and lethargic. He was diagnosed with severe anemia, which warranted admission. He stayed in the ward for nine days, during which he was monitored and transfused. He responded well, and the doctors now gave him fluids and other medicine rich in iron and folic acid. He responded to these well, and his blood work showed good results. He was discharged on albendazole and folic acid to take at home before going back to the hospital for review after a couple of weeks. A visit by the volunteer to the home revealed the Ishmael was doing well and had recoverd well, he was preparing to escort his mother to the market centre.

Severe anemia, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications and even death. The prognosis depends on the cause and severity of the anemia, as well as the individual's overall health. While prompt treatment and management can improve outcomes, untreated severe anemia can cause heart problems, pregnancy complications, and multi-organ failure