Favour N., 6

Favour is a 6-year-old girl in Grade 2 and the youngest of seven children. Her father passed away years ago in a road traffic accident, and she is now cared for by her mother. The family lives in extreme poverty, surviving on the little her mother earns from selling avocados and bananas - about 400 shillings, which is far from enough to meet their basic needs. Due to her young age and difficult circumstances, she does not have any hobbies per se. Favour was brought to the hospital by her grandmother after developing fever and chills. Because of financial challenges, her grandmother initially gave her paracetamol at home, but her condition worsened and she became very weak and ill-looking. At the hospital, Favour was assessed and diagnosed with severe malaria and anaemia. Given the seriousness of her condition and the family’s inability to afford treatment, she was referred to Helpster Charity for assistance.

Treatment Process: Malaria: Administration of age-appropriate antimalarial medication (commonly artemisinin-based combination therapy, ACT). Supportive care such as hydration and fever management with paracetamol. Anemia: Assessment of severity (mild, moderate, severe). Iron supplementation if iron-deficiency is suspected. Blood transfusion may be required in severe cases to stabilize hemoglobin levels. Nutritional support and treatment of any underlying causes. Expected Outcomes: With prompt treatment, malaria symptoms usually resolve within 48–72 hours. Anemia improves gradually with iron therapy or after recovery from malaria; severe cases may require transfusion. Regular follow-up is needed to monitor hemoglobin levels and prevent relapse. Prognosis is generally good in children if complications like severe anemia or cerebral malaria are avoided.

With prompt treatment for both malaria and anaemia, Favour’s prognosis is good. Children typically respond quickly to antimalarial medications once treatment is started, and her strength and appetite should gradually return. If left untreated, Favour’s condition could worsen. Malaria can become severe, leading to high fever, seizures, organ failure, or even death.