Khadija S., 25

Khadija sells yam at home she lives in Amshi with her husband, a farmer, and their two children in a single-room mud house. The family survives on a combined income of about ₦9,000, which is barely enough to meet their basic daily needs and is far from sufficient to cover the cost of emergency hospital care. According to the medical report, the family was unable to settle the hospital bill due to severe financial constraints. Khadija, a pregnant woman at approximately 8 months gestation, was admitted to Ayaji Medical and Diagnostic Centre with a history of persistent illness. She presented with a one-week history of high-grade fever associated with chills and rigors, severe headache for three days, and generalized body weakness. Prior to hospital presentation, she sought treatment from local patent medicine vendors without improvement, leading to a delay in receiving appropriate medical care. There was no history of seizures or previous similar episodes, and she had no known significant past medical history. On clinical evaluation, she was diagnosed with severe malaria complicated by anemia in pregnancy.

The 25-year-old pregnant patient diagnosed with severe malaria complicated by anemia was promptly managed with intravenous artesunate, followed by a full course of oral artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) after stabilization. She received intravenous fluids, paracetamol, and close monitoring of vital signs. Due to significant anemia, she was transfused with packed red blood cells and started on hematinics including iron and folic acid supplementation. Fetal well-being was also closely monitored throughout admission. Her condition improved steadily, with resolution of fever, reduction in weakness and dizziness, and gradual improvement in hemoglobin level. She was discharged in stable condition with antenatal follow-up instructions and continuation of prescribed medications.

The patient’s symptoms of high-grade fever with chills and rigors, persistent headache, and generalized weakness strongly suggested severe malaria. Lack of response to treatment from patent medicine vendors further confirmed the need for proper medical care. Being in the third trimester of pregnancy, her condition was considered high risk due to possible complications such as severe anemia and adverse fetal outcomes. The medical team initiated urgent investigations and started pregnancy-safe antimalarial therapy alongside supportive care to stabilize both mother and fetus. Prognosis: With prompt treatment, symptoms are expected to resolve within a few days, with gradual recovery and reduced risk of complications.