Merceline A., 16

Merceline is a 16-year-old Grade 8 student living with her single father and five siblings in a rural village. She walks over 10 kilometres daily to attend a local public school. Due to poverty, two of her brothers dropped out of school to support the family through casual jobs, helping ensure Merceline and her sisters remain in school despite frequent food shortages and lack of school supplies. Merceline developed a swelling below her left eye at the age of seven. Over the years, it progressively extended to the left cheekbone, causing severe pain, facial deformity, and visual problems. Her father, a small-scale farmer, sought help from several hospitals but could not afford the recommended tests and surgery. Her condition worsened as she grew older. During a community awareness visit by Helpster Charity in partnership with Awasi Catholic Mission Health Centre, relatives requested assistance for Merceline. Doctors assessed her condition and admitted her for pain management before referral to a higher-level facility for further investigations and possible surgery. Despite her challenges, Merceline loves school, enjoys storytelling and reading, and dreams of becoming a surgeon.

Merceline was admitted on 12/04/2026 with complaints of painful swollen eyelids, redness, irritation, and signs of infection consistent with blepharitis. Due to the severity of symptoms and need for close observation, he was admitted for inpatient management and supportive care. During hospitalization, Moses was treated with Floxapen injection and Flagyl injection to manage the infection and prevent further spread. ABZ tablet stat was administered as supportive treatment, while Brufen tablets were given to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve comfort. He was monitored closely throughout admission, and gradual improvement was observed with reduction in swelling, redness, and pain around the eyelids. She responded positively to treatment, regained comfort, and his general condition improved steadily during the hospital stay. By the time of discharge on 16/04/2026, he was clinically stable with significantly improved symptoms. He was discharged on Floxapen capsules and Flagyl tablets to continue treatment at home, with instructions on medication adherence, proper eye hygiene, and follow-up care. He was also referred to Africa Inuka Hospital for surgical review and further specialized management to ensure complete healing and prevent future complications.

Following clinical assessment, Merceline was given a provisional diagnosis of ossifying fibroma, although further imaging and biopsy are required for definitive confirmation. Doctors noted that the mass has progressively enlarged over several years, causing facial deformity and significant pain. She requires specialized evaluation and possible surgery at a higher-level facility. Despite the severity of the swelling, her prognosis may improve significantly with timely diagnosis, surgical management, and close follow-up care.