Florence B., 1

Florence is the youngest child in her family and lives with her parents and seven siblings in a two-room mud house. Her mother is unemployed and relies on small-scale farming, while her father works as a mason whenever jobs are available, making him the family’s main provider. The family learned about Helpster while at the hospital. One evening, Florence appeared weak and developed a fever. Her mother gave her paracetamol, but by the following morning her condition had worsened. She was taken to a nearby dispensary, treated, and discharged with prescribed medication. However, due to financial constraints, her mother was unable to purchase all the drugs. Two days later, Florence experienced convulsions and was rushed back to the dispensary, where she was stabilized before being referred to Siaya County Referral Hospital for further management.

Florence was brought to the hospital weak,having a fever and vomiting. Tests were done which returned and she was diagnosed with severe malaria, severe anemia, and septicemia. This warranted admission for further and proper management in the ward. She was transfused blood and administered IV artesunate, paracetamol, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. These she responded to well, regained her strength, and made a recovery. She was discharged home on orals with a follow-up clinic date set for her review. A call to her mother revealed that Florence was now fully recovered, was playful as ever and had resumed her normal life

Florence was diagnosed with severe malaria and septicaemia and has been started on appropriate treatment. With the prompt administration of antimalarial drugs, antibiotics, and supportive care, her chances of recovery are good.