Angela W., 12

Angela is a 12-year-old girl in Grade 6 who lives in a rural area with her grandmother. Her grandmother also cares for Angela’s two younger and two older siblings. The family faces significant financial hardships and struggles daily to meet basic needs. Despite her young age, Angela has taken on many responsibilities at home, helping her grandmother with household chores, caring for her younger siblings, and contributing in any way she can to support the family. Even with these challenges, she remains determined to continue her education and work toward a better future. Angela enjoys drawing and writing simple stories, using any scrap paper she can find. She also likes to help in the garden or collecting firewood. She aspires to become a teacher to help others, support her family, and provide a safe, stable home for her siblings. About a week before receiving assistance to come to the hospital, Angela began feeling unwell, experiencing headaches, fever, and general weakness. Initially, her grandmother thought it was a minor illness and, due to financial constraints, bought only painkillers from a local chemist. However, Angela’s condition worsened over the next few days - her fever increased, she became confused, experienced persistent stomach pain, and grew so weak that she could hardly stand. A neighbour previously assisted by Helpster Charity noticed Angela’s condition and informed her grandmother about the organization, explaining that Helpster supports children and families who cannot afford proper medical care. Angela was diagnosed with cerebral malaria and amoebiasis. She has since started appropriate treatment and is responding positively.

Angella was diagnosed with cerebral malaria and amoebic dysentery after presenting with high fever, confusion, and severe diarrhoea. With financial support from Helpster, she received free treatment at Bulondo Health Centre. The medical team immediately started IV artesunate for cerebral malaria and provided supportive care, including fluids, fever control, and seizure management. For amoebic dysentery, she was treated with metronidazole followed by a luminal agent to clear remaining parasites, along with rehydration therapy. Thanks to early and uninterrupted treatment made possible by Helpster, Angella’s condition improved steadily. Her fever resolved, neurological symptoms cleared, and diarrhoea subsided. After completing her medication and follow-up reviews, she made a full recovery, avoiding the serious complications normally associated with both illnesses.

Angela’s prognosis is good, as she is receiving prompt and appropriate treatment for both cerebral malaria and amoebiasis. With continued medical care, monitoring, and supportive therapy, most children in her condition respond well to treatment. Currently, she is showing signs of improvement; her fever is reducing, alertness is returning, and strength is gradually coming back. With ongoing adherence to medications, proper nutrition, and follow-up care, Angela is expected to fully recover.