Mercyline N., 22

Mercyline, the seventh-born in her family, is married and lives with her husband and three children. She leads a challenging life in a single-room mud house in a rural area. As a housewife and vegetable seller, she is the primary provider for her family, earning approximately 1,500 KES per month. Her husband works as a cane cutter, struggles with alcohol, and does not support the family financially. Mercyline is currently expectant. She fell ill, experiencing headaches, high fever, pain during urination, and discharge. She had been unwell for five days and had attempted self-medication with over-the-counter drugs, but there was no improvement. Due to her economic constraints and the lack of support from her husband, she was unable to seek timely formal medical care. After examination and laboratory tests at the hospital, admission was recommended. However, she declined admission, citing her inability to cover hospital bills. The hospital in-charges then involved a Helpster volunteer, who enrolled her in Helpster Charity for support and assistance.

Mercyline was diagnosed with severe malaria and a urinary tract infection during pregnancy. She received treatment with antibiotics, antimalarial medication, and rehydration fluids, with careful monitoring by the medical team due to her pregnancy. After three days of hospitalization, she was discharged in a stable condition. Mercyline expressed her gratitude to Helpster Charity Organization for providing free medical care. She came for a medical check up 5 days after discharge and was confirmed to be doing well.

Mercyline’s prognosis is good. With prompt and appropriate treatment for both urinary tract infection (UTI) and severe malaria, she is expected to recover fully. Adherence to prescribed medications, adequate hydration, rest, and follow-up care are essential to ensure complete recovery and to prevent complications or recurrence of infection.