Ruth C., 4

Ruth is a four-year-old child from a severely disadvantaged socio-economic background, living in a household affected by chronic poverty, unstable income, and limited access to basic needs such as adequate nutrition, safe water, proper housing, and sanitation. The family has endured long-standing financial hardship, with low educational attainment and unemployment persisting across generations, significantly limiting their ability to access essential services. As a result, Ruth’s caregivers are often unable to afford routine healthcare, transportation to health facilities, or prescribed medications, leading to delayed or missed treatment whenever she falls ill. These circumstances have left Ruth highly vulnerable to preventable illnesses, poor nutritional status, and delayed physical growth and development. The family also struggles to provide consistent early childhood education, a safe living environment, and balanced meals, further compounding her health risks and reducing her chances of healthy development without external support. Ruth was brought to the health facility by her mother with a history of excessive crying, swelling of the limbs, facial puffiness, vomiting of worms, poor appetite, poor weight gain, and jiggers infestation. At presentation, she appeared very ill, weak, and irritable, with signs of significant nutritional deficiency and dehydration. She was visibly undernourished, lethargic, and unable to engage normally for her age, indicating a marked deterioration in her general condition. Based on clinical examination and laboratory findings, Ruth was diagnosed with protein–energy malnutrition, dehydration, mild anaemia, and jiggers infestation. She was admitted for inpatient treatment and comprehensive medical and nutritional management.

Ruth was brought to the facility by her mother with complains of crying a lot, limbs swelling, facial puffiness, poor appetite, poor weight gain and jiggers infestation. She was diagnosed with, protein -Energy malnutrition, dehydration, mild anemia and jiggers infestation. Was put under treatment and management for several days, she responded well to medication and discharged on good condition.

Ruth presented with severe illness related to chronic malnutrition and poor living conditions, evidenced by protein–energy malnutrition, dehydration, mild anaemia, and jiggers infestation. Her condition reflects long-standing nutritional deficiency and delayed access to healthcare, which significantly weakened her immunity and overall health. She required urgent admission for medical stabilization, nutritional rehabilitation, treatment of infections, and close monitoring. With timely and comprehensive inpatient care, including adequate nutrition, medical treatment, and social support, Ruth’s prognosis is guarded but hopeful. Sustained follow-up, improved nutrition, and continued support for the family are essential to ensure recovery, promote healthy growth, and prevent recurrence of illness.