Precious W., 1

Precious is a one-year-old girl, the firstborn in her family, representing hope and new beginnings. At her young age, she depends entirely on her mother for care. She lives with her mother, a teenage parent who left school after pregnancy, while her father, still in Grade 10, is largely absent. Her mother takes on the full responsibility of caregiving and providing, earning a modest income of about KES 700 per month from selling bananas, which is insufficient to meet their basic needs. Precious was well until a few days before admission when she developed cough, fast breathing, fever, and irritability, which progressively worsened and affected her feeding. She was taken to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with pneumonia and bronchiolitis, both affecting her breathing. Due to her age and the severity of her condition, close medical care was required. Given the family’s financial challenges, the hospital referred them to Helpster Charity for support. She is currently receiving treatment and is under close monitoring as she recovers.

Precious was taken to Bulondo Health Centre in a critical condition after suffering from severe pneumonia with bronchitis alongside severe malaria with anaemia. Through the support of Helpster Charity Organization, she was immediately admitted and started on comprehensive treatment. She received intravenous antibiotics to treat the pneumonia and bronchitis, antimalarial medication to clear the malaria infection, and fever-reducing drugs. Due to difficulty in breathing, she was given oxygen therapy, along with IV fluids and close monitoring. Her anaemia was also managed through nutritional support and appropriate medical care to restore her blood levels. During her hospital stay, Precious responded well to treatment. Her breathing gradually improved, the fever subsided, and her energy levels increased as her blood levels stabilized. She became more active and was able to feed well again.

Precious’ condition is serious due to pneumonia and bronchiolitis, both affecting her breathing at a very young age. Prompt medical care, and close monitoring, is essential. With the timely and appropriate treatment that she received, her prognosis is generally good, and she is expected to recover. However, careful follow-up is needed to monitor her breathing and prevent complications.