Constant W., 19

Constant is a 19-year-old girl currently in Grade 10 at a day secondary school. She is a resilient and determined young woman who deeply values education despite the significant challenges she faces at home. She lives with her mother, who earns approximately KSh 2,000 per month from a small business and is the sole breadwinner supporting eight children and grandchildren. Growing up in these circumstances has made Constant responsible and mature beyond her years. The family resides in a modest two-room mud-walled house roofed with corrugated iron sheets, and she often walks more than 30 minutes to fetch water from a nearby stream. Constant is known for her humility, respectfulness, and hardworking nature. She assists her mother with household responsibilities such as fetching water, cooking, and caring for younger siblings and relatives. At school, she is attentive, cooperative, and eager to learn. She enjoys reading storybooks and set books when available, singing at school or church events, and discussing academic goals and future ambitions with her friends. Despite financial hardship, Constant aspires to complete her secondary education and pursue professional training that will enable her to secure stable employment. She hopes to uplift her family, improve their living conditions, and ensure her younger siblings have better educational opportunities. She is determined to break the cycle of poverty and become a role model in her community. Constant had been in good health until about four days before admission, when she began experiencing repeated and persistent episodes of vomiting. The vomiting was frequent, and she was unable to retain food or fluids. As time progressed, she became increasingly weak, lethargic, and dehydrated. Her caregiver noted that her lips and mouth became dry, and her energy levels declined significantly. Initially, she was given over-the-counter medications, including paracetamol and other supportive drugs purchased locally, but her condition did not improve. Instead, the vomiting continued and her overall state worsened. Due to the persistent symptoms and inability to keep anything down, she was eventually brought to the hospital. Upon arrival, she appeared clinically dehydrated, weak, and in urgent need of medical care. However, the family lacked the financial means to cover hospital expenses. Recognizing both the severity of her condition and the family’s financial constraints, the hospital in-charge referred her for enrollment into the Helpster Charity program so that she could receive the necessary treatment and supportive care.

Constant was admitted to Bulondo Health Centre with a diagnosis of severe malaria secondary to moderate anemia and dehydration. On arrival, she was weak, pale, febrile, and clinically dehydrated. Immediate treatment was initiated to stabilize her condition. She received intravenous antimalarial medication to clear the malaria parasites from her bloodstream, along with IV fluids to correct dehydration and restore electrolyte balance. Her hemoglobin levels were monitored closely, and she was started on hematinics (iron and folic acid supplements) to manage moderate anemia. She was also given antipyretics to control fever and supportive nutritional care to improve her strength and recovery. Through the support of Helpster Charity, Constant was able to access treatment free of charge, as her family could not afford the hospital bills. This support ensured she received timely and complete medical care without interruption. Over the course of treatment, her fever subsided, vomiting stopped, hydration status improved, and her energy levels gradually returned. The pallor reduced as her anemia began to correct, and she regained appetite and strength. She was later discharged in stable condition with follow-up instructions and preventive advice on malaria control.

Constant was diagnosed with severe malaria complicated by severe dehydration. The repeated vomiting, inability to retain fluids, progressive weakness, and clinical signs of dehydration indicate that the infection had significantly affected her systemic stability. Severe malaria is a life-threatening condition that can rapidly progress to complications such as severe anaemia, cerebral involvement, metabolic imbalance, or organ dysfunction if not treated promptly. In Constant’s case, persistent vomiting worsened fluid loss, leading to severe dehydration. This further compromised her circulation and overall condition. Constant’s prognosis is good. With the treatment already begun, he will recover fully.