Ruth O., 21

Ruth is an orphan living at a Children’s Home. She enjoys playing football and listening to music. The children’s home relies entirely on well-wishers for food and daily care. Ruth was brought to the Children’s Home at the age of 17 by city police after she was found on the streets of Nairobi, having lost both parents. She is a cheerful and lively girl who dreams of becoming an engineer and doing charity work to help other children in the orphanage when she grows up. The home became acquainted with Helpster Charity through a site visit by Rheemah medical practitioners and later through Vincent, a Helpster volunteer. Ruth had been in good health until four days ago, when she began experiencing continuous vomiting, chills and rigors, generalized body aches, headache, and poor appetite. Initial home management with painkillers and antacids did not provide relief. As her condition persisted, a volunteer from the children’s home brought her to Rheemah Hospital for medical care. At the hospital, Ruth was examined by the medical officer in charge, and after necessary tests, she was diagnosed with severe malaria. Prompt treatment was initiated, including intravenous fluids and antimalarial therapy.

Ruth had been well until four days prior to presentation, when she developed persistent vomiting, chills and rigors, generalized body aches, headache, and poor appetite. She initially received painkillers and antimalarial tablets at home, but there was no improvement. Sarah, a volunteer, subsequently brought her to Rheemah Hospital for further medical evaluation. She was reviewed by the Medical Officer in charge, and after clinical assessment and relevant investigations, she was diagnosed with severe malaria. Prompt treatment was initiated, including intravenous fluids, IV Paracetamol 1g infusion, IV Dextrose 5%, IV Normal Saline 500 ml, IV Ondansetron 8 mg, and IV Artesunate 120 mg. Ruth was closely observed for 12 hours and responded well to treatment. Once stable, she was discharged home on oral antimalarial medication and Ondansetron. She is now doing well and has returned to her usual joyful self.

Ruth’s prognosis is very good. With prompt diagnosis and treatment for severe malaria, including fluids and antimalarial therapy, most patients recover fully without long-term complications If treatment is delayed, malaria can become severe and life-threatening, affecting the brain, kidneys, or other organs.