Ruth C., 1

Ruth Chelangat is a one-year-old baby girl living with her 18-year-old mother in an extended family setting. Her mother, still very young herself, carries the full responsibility of providing and caring for her child. With no stable source of income, she survives by moving from house to house washing clothes to earn small amounts of money. The income she makes is barely sufficient to secure food, leaving critical needs such as healthcare, adequate nutrition, and proper clothing largely unmet. Despite the severe financial strain, Ruth’s mother remains determined and devoted to her child’s wellbeing. However, the household continues to struggle with deep poverty, and Ruth’s young age makes her particularly vulnerable to illness and malnutrition. The family learned about Helpster Charity through a community member who was aware of their hardship and advised them that vulnerable children could receive medical assistance through the organization. Encouraged by this information, Ruth’s mother sought help when her child’s condition worsened. Ruth was brought to the hospital with a two-day history of persistent vomiting and profuse watery diarrhea, occurring in multiple episodes and at times blood-stained. She had completely lost her appetite and had developed a high-grade fever. Her mother reported that the child had become progressively weak, irritable, and less responsive. She was unable to breastfeed or tolerate oral intake and had significantly reduced urine output - a worrying sign of dehydration. By the time of presentation, Ruth appeared acutely ill. She was lethargic, weak, and clinically unstable. Following clinical examination and laboratory investigations, she was diagnosed with shock, severe dehydration, and gastritis. Given the seriousness of her condition, she was immediately admitted for urgent stabilization, intravenous fluid resuscitation, treatment, and further investigations.

Mother brought child to the facility with history of two days vomiting and diarrhea with blood stained,loss of appetite and fever. On clinical examination and laboratory findings, she was diagnosed with shock secondary to severe dehydration and gastritis. Was admitted for treatment and management for several days and responded well to medication and discharged when stable and in good condition.

Ruth presented in a critically ill state, with clinical signs consistent with shock secondary to severe dehydration from persistent vomiting and diarrhea. In a child of her age, such fluid loss can rapidly become life-threatening. The presence of blood-stained diarrhea and fever further suggested significant gastrointestinal inflammation and possible infection. With the appropriate hospital management, the prognosis is cautiously optimistic. Children with severe dehydration and shock can recover well if treated early and adequately. The first 24–48 hours of stabilization are critical. If rehydration is successful and the underlying infection or inflammation is effectively treated, Ruth is expected to regain strength gradually and recover fully Immediate stabilization was necessary, including intravenous fluid resuscitation to restore circulation, correction of electrolyte imbalance, and treatment of the underlying cause.