Emmanuel Ismael O., 3

Emmanuel is a three-year-old boy and the fourth-born child in a family of four siblings. He comes from a humble background where his mother is a housewife and his father earns a living through menial jobs at the local market and in people’s homesteads. The family survives on a hand-to-mouth income, with little to no money left for savings. Emmanuel enjoys playing with his siblings and watching cartoons at shops in the local market. Emmanuel had been in good health until three days prior to admission, when he began to develop general weakness. His illness progressed with symptoms including irritability, chills, intermittent headaches, and reduced appetite. Concerned about his condition, his mother took him to a nearby local chemist, where he was given paracetamol syrup and amoxicillin syrup (2.5 ml three times daily for five days). Despite this, Emmanuel’s condition continued to worsen by the day. After hearing about Helpster Charity from a friend whose child had previously benefited from the organisation’s support, Emmanuel’s mother decided to take him to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment. At the hospital, Emmanuel underwent clinical assessment and laboratory investigations, which confirmed a diagnosis of severe malaria and acute bacteraemia with pharyngitis.

Emmanuel was admitted for six days being managed on cetriaxone and artesunate injections, was discharged after marked improvement and put on oral medication

Emmanuel was diagnosed with severe malaria and acute bacteraemia with pharyngitis, conditions that are serious and potentially life-threatening, especially in young children. He required urgent medical intervention, including intravenous antimalarial therapy, antibiotics, and supportive care. Although his initial condition was severe, Emmanuel’s prognosis is favourable with continued treatment, close monitoring, and completion of prescribed medication.