Shantel A., 5

Shantel lives with her grandmother, who depends on her only daughter for the family’s survival. Due to financial hardship, Shantel has not yet started school, although she enjoys dancing and playing at home. She was brought to the health facility by her mother with a five-day history of headache, sore throat, painful swallowing, and mild fever. Because the family could not afford medication, she had not received any painkillers or antibiotics, and even meeting basic food needs had become difficult. After hearing about Helpster Charity through community members who had previously benefited from the program, her caregivers brought her to the hospital seeking assistance. Due to the severity of her condition, she was admitted for proper treatment.

Shantel remained admitted for four days, during which she was treated with ceftriaxone, albendazole (ABZ), and brufen, alongside supportive care and close monitoring. Over the course of treatment, her fever subsided, her throat pain reduced significantly, and she gradually regained the ability to swallow and eat comfortably. By the time of discharge, she had shown clear and steady improvement, regained strength, and was able to return home with medication and follow-up instructions, bringing great relief to her family.

Shantel was diagnosed with suppurative tonsillitis, indicating a serious bacterial infection that had progressed due to delayed treatment. She required urgent antibiotics, pain management, hydration, and close monitoring to prevent complications such as abscess formation, airway obstruction, or spread of infection. Given the family’s financial challenges, access to treatment would be difficult without assistance, making medical support essential. With appropriate and complete treatment, Shantel’s prognosis is very good, and she is expected to recover fully. However, without proper medication and follow-up care, the infection could worsen and become life-threatening.