Philis S., 1

Stacy Philis is a one-year-old girl living with her parents in their local community. She is the fourth-born in a family of four children and the only daughter. When well, Stacy is playful and active, preferring to explore and play rather than be carried. However, during her illness, she became clingy and irritable, often crying when approached by strangers, including healthcare workers, and would only settle when held by her mother. She enjoys playing with her brothers and is always excited to see them return from school, often running toward them joyfully. She also loves watching cartoons on her mother’s phone and has even learned how to find them herself. Stacy was reported to be in good health until one morning when she developed an on-and-off fever, cough, and sharp pain on the left side of her chest that worsened with coughing. Her mother administered paracetamol, which temporarily reduced the fever, giving the impression that she was improving. However, later that night, the fever returned, this time more severe and accompanied by fast and difficult breathing. By the following morning, before being brought to the facility, Stacy experienced a convulsion. On arrival at the health facility, she was assessed and diagnosed with severe malaria with pneumonia, both of which required urgent admission and close medical management. Due to financial constraints, her parents initially requested oral medication and home-based care, expressing their inability to afford further treatment. However, given the severity of her condition, the facility team advised against discharge and instead introduced them to Helpster Charity Organization. Stacy was promptly admitted to receive the necessary care. Stacy’s father is a small-scale farmer who relies on limited farm produce to support the family’s basic needs, including food and education. In addition to caring for his immediate family, he also supports his elderly parents, placing a significant financial burden on him as the sole provider. Stacy’s mother is a stay at home mom who takes care of the children and manages the household.

Stacy was admitted with pneumonia and severe malaria, where she had one episode of convulsion on the admission before coming to the facility. She was on medication of paracetamol suppositories, iv artesunate, i.v ceftriaxone, paracetamol where she became stable and was ready for discharge

Stacy presented with a severe, life-threatening illness, having both severe pneumonia and severe malaria, compounded by convulsions, high fever, and difficulty in breathing. This combination placed her at high risk, especially given her young age. Immediate admission and aggressive management were necessary. She was started on appropriate intravenous antimalarial treatment, broad-spectrum antibiotics, oxygen support, and fluids, alongside close monitoring of her vital signs and neurological status. The prompt decision to admit her and initiate treatment has been critical in stabilizing her condition and preventing further deterioration. Stacy’s prognosis is guarded but improving. With continued close monitoring, adherence to treatment, and supportive care, she has a good chance of recovery.