Enos W., 13

Enos is an 11-year-old boy and the second-born in a family of six. He has been unwell for the past two weeks. His mother, a small-scale farmer, supports the family, who live in a rented two-room house. They fetch water from a nearby well. However, during the dry season, they are forced to buy water. Enos is currently in Grade 5 at a rural primary school. He is a bright student with dreams of becoming an engineer and enjoys playing football. He has been diagnosed with sickle cell disease and was recently brought to the hospital by his mother while in severe pain. After a thorough medical assessment, he was admitted and started on treatment. Over the past week, Enos has been experiencing persistent weakness and headaches, which have caused him to miss several school days this month.

Enos, a known sickle cell anemia patient, was experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis and confirmed having malaria also had moderate anemia. He received treatment that included antibiotics, rehydration fluids, and medication for sickle cell management. Once his condition stabilized, he was discharged from the hospital to continue treatment at home. During a follow-up call from a Helpster volunteer, his mother expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the quality care and support provided by Helpster Charity. Enos is doing well.

Enos was given medication and if it could have remain untreated sickle cell anemia leads to severe health complications, including pain crises, organ damage, stroke, and infections, potentially resulting in premature death. The abnormal, sickle-shaped red blood cells clog blood vessels, restricting oxygen delivery to vital organs and tissues, leading to these problems.