Martin M., 13

Martin is a 13-year-old boy who is an orphan living at New Beginning Children’s Home in Utawala, Nairobi. He enjoys playing football and listening to music during his free time. The children’s home relies entirely on support from well-wishers to meet the children’s basic needs. Martin was admitted to the home at the age of 10 after being found living on the streets by city police. Efforts to trace his relatives have not been successful. He is known to be jovial and hopeful, with a dream of becoming an engineer in the future. The home became aware of Helpster Charity through a site visit by Rheemah medical practitioners and later through Vincent, a Helpster volunteer. A few days prior to presentation, Martin began experiencing nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. Initially, he was given oral medication, but his condition did not improve. Over time, his symptoms worsened significantly. He developed frequent episodes of diarrhoea, became increasingly weak, and lost his appetite. He was unable to retain food properly and appeared visibly unwell. The abdominal pain intensified, causing him discomfort and restlessness, and he became less active than usual. As his condition progressed, Martin showed signs of fatigue and dehydration, including reduced energy levels and general body weakness. His symptoms began interfering with his daily activities, and he was no longer able to participate in his usual routines at the home. Concerned about his worsening condition, the student leader at the children’s home facilitated his transfer to Rheemah Hospital for further evaluation. At the facility, he appeared ill and required prompt medical attention. Following thorough clinical examination and laboratory investigations, he was diagnosed with amoebiasis and severe dehydration, and appropriate treatment was initiated.

Few days ago Martin had nausea, diarrhea , and abdominal pain, he was given some orals but reported no improvement . Through the student leader he was brought to Rheemah Hospital . Prompt examination and test done where he was diagnosed with Amoebiasis. Treatment given I.V R.L, I.V Ondansetron 8mg, i.v Buscopn 20mg, i.v ceftriaxon 1g, discharged on azithro 250mg, buscopan plus, niutrivita srp, ondestron 8mg he was reported responding well to treatment through a phone call to the administrator 2 days later.

His clinical condition suggests a moderate to severe gastrointestinal infection that had progressed due to delayed response to initial oral treatment. The presence of ongoing diarrhoea, weakness, and reduced oral intake indicates that he was at risk of developing severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, both of which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. His condition required medical intervention, including rehydration therapy, anti-amoebic treatment, and supportive care. Martin has been started on appropriate treatment, including anti-protozoal medication, fluid replacement therapy (oral or intravenous depending on severity), and nutritional support. He is being closely monitored for improvement in hydration status, reduction in diarrhoea, and overall clinical recovery. With timely and appropriate management, Martin is expected to respond well to treatment. His symptoms should gradually resolve, including reduction in diarrhoea, relief of abdominal pain, and improvement in strength and appetite.