Tabitha M., 13

Tabitha is a 13-year-old student living in a rural area where access to basic services is limited. Her family often walks long distances to collect water and buy food, and they rely on a pit latrine for sanitation. The household depends solely on her mother, who works as a hawker at the local market, earning around KSh 2,000 a month. Despite these financial hardships, Tabitha is a committed Form 1 student who dreams of becoming a teacher after completing secondary school. Tabitha has been diagnosed with Acute Chest Syndrome, a serious complication in individuals with sickle cell disease. She recently visited a health facility with symptoms such as cough and chest pain. Her grandmother also observed that she has a poor appetite, tires easily, and suffers from frequent coughing. Due to her ongoing health issues and the physical challenge of walking to school, Tabitha has been unable to attend classes for the past three weeks.

Tabitha recently presented at a health facility with symptoms including cough and chest pain. Her grandmother reported that Tabitha has a poor appetite, becomes easily fatigued, and experiences frequent coughing. These health challenges have prevented her from attending school for the past three weeks due to difficulty with mobility. Tabitha, who has sickle cell disease, was diagnosed with severe pneumonia and acute chest syndrome and admitted for free medical care through Helpster Charity Organization. She received comprehensive treatment, including oxygen therapy, pain management, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and chest physiotherapy. In addition, she underwent a blood transfusion when necessary to improve oxygen levels. Thanks to timely and thorough care, her breathing and overall condition improved, and she was safely discharged with follow-up plans in place to prevent future complications.

She was treated and given medication and if the condition remain untreated acute chest syndrome (ACS) in sickle cell disease (SCD) can be life-threatening and requires prompt medical intervention. ACS occurs when sickled red blood cells block blood vessels in the lungs, leading to a pneumonia-like illness and potential organ damage. Without treatment, ACS can rapidly progress, causing respiratory failure, multi-organ failure, and even death.