Caleb W., 11

Caleb is an 11-year-old boy who is usually cheerful and enjoys playing football with his friends. He dreams of becoming an international footballer one day. However, due to his current health condition, he has become withdrawn and less active. Caleb lives with his parents in a three-room mud house. The family fetches water from a river about 20 minutes away and uses a makeshift toilet. His parents rely on casual labor, earning around KES 200 a day, barely enough to buy food, and sometimes go for a week without work. Caleb has experienced delayed growth and has difficulty communicating. Three days before visiting the hospital, he developed a runny nose and cough, but did not receive any treatment at home. Upon examination at the health facility, the doctor noted his cough, nasal discharge, and jigger infestation on his hands and feet, which had caused wounds. Further assessment revealed that he also had mental and growth retardation, along with active bronchitis. He was treated with antibiotics and pain relievers, and referred to both nutrition and public health departments for additional support. The nutritionist identified poor feeding habits as a contributing factor to his condition. Caleb and his caregivers were counseled on proper nutrition, hygiene, sanitation, and advised to include multivitamins in his diet.

Caled was diagnosed with Active bronchitis with giggers infestation and in mental growth retardation,he was given antibiotics drugs and other supportive ways like nutrition counseling . As he started feeling better, he was released from the hospital to continue his treatment at home and also advised to continue staying safe and observe good hygiene and care. During the check-up call, the Helpster volunteer heard from Caleb's guardian that the boy is active and happy also he is back to his normal life. Caleb's mother says “I can’t describe just how worried I was when my son got sick, and wasn’t getting better as I was treating him with drugs from near by chemists. I would like to appreciate Helpster Charity on their support. Thank you.”

With timely diagnosis and proper treatment Caleb's condition will improve. Through adherence to proper hygiene and sanitation,proper diet and good eating habit as advised by the public health officer and the nutritionist, he will get well. A close monitoring was also encouraged to ensure that he follows the instructions given.