Devian N., 2

Devian is a 2-year-old girl from a family experiencing severe financial hardship. Her mother, who previously worked as a casual laborer at a nearby health facility, lost her job during a recent staff downsizing. Her father works as a motorcycle taxi rider. The family resides in a small, two-room house with a leaking roof, uses a pit latrine, and sources drinking water from a stream located about 30 minutes away on foot. Two days ago, Devian developed a high fever and began vomiting. Due to financial constraints, her parents could only give her painkillers at home, unaware of the seriousness of her illness. Her mother became increasingly worried when Devian started vomiting after every feeding and eventually refused to eat. As her symptoms worsened—including a persistent cough, fever, and poor appetite—they took her to Bokoli Sub-County Hospital for urgent treatment.

Devian was diagnosed with malaria accompanied by diarrhoea and dehydration. She was admitted to the hospital for two days, where she received antimalarial drugs, antibiotics, and fluids to help restore her hydration. Once she was stable and her appetite had returned, Devian was discharged home in good condition. Her father expressed his gratitude, saying, “My daughter is now doing well. She is the second child in our family to receive support from Helpster Charity Organization. I’m truly thankful for the free medical care they provided for Devian. Thank you.”

Devian was treated and if the condition could have remain untreated malaria, especially with diarrhea, can be dangerous and could have lead to severe dehydration, which can be life-threatening. Diarrhea, along with vomiting, is a common symptom of malaria, particularly in children, and can cause rapid fluid loss and dehydration. If not treated, malaria can progress to severe complications like cerebral malaria, anemia, and kidney failure, potentially leading to death