Lorna A., 11

Lorna lives with her parents in one of the city slums and is the only child in her family. Her education is supported by the church due to the family’s financial struggles. Her father, who previously worked as a security guard, lost his job after the company closed because of harsh economic conditions. Since then, both parents survive through casual manual jobs. Lorna enjoys playing football and singing in church with other children, and her father dreams of her becoming a doctor in the future. Three days before admission, Lorna became seriously ill with persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, severe headache, and general body weakness. Her condition worsened progressively, leaving her weak, exhausted, and unable to carry out normal daily activities. Due to financial hardship and lack of medical insurance, her parents could not afford immediate treatment at hospitals within Nairobi. Concerned by her deteriorating condition, Lorna’s father sought help from a Community Health Promoter, who later connected the family to Vincent, a Helpster Volunteer. Through this support, Lorna was referred to Rheemah Hospital, where she received urgent medical attention and care.

Three days ago, Lorna Asteria became seriously ill after developing persistent diarrhea, vomiting, fever, severe headache, and general body weakness. Her condition continued to worsen, leaving her weak and unable to carry out her normal daily activities. Due to the difficult financial situation at home, her parents were unable to seek immediate medical attention. The family has no medical insurance cover, and both parents currently depend on casual manual jobs after Lorna’s father lost his employment as a security guard when the company he worked for closed down because of harsh economic conditions. As a result, they could not afford treatment in hospitals within Nairobi. Concerned about his daughter’s deteriorating health, Lorna’s father reached out to a Community Health Worker for assistance. After assessing the situation, the Community Health Worker connected the family to support through Vincent, a Helpster Volunteer. Medication given IV.ringers 500m, IV.paracetamol 1g, IV DNS 500ml, IV ondansetron 7mg, IV metronidazole 500mg and on discharge on ORS, cyclopam P I tabs, PO Enterogermina and PO metronidazole 500mg, on discharge date she reported to responding well to medication.

The patient was diagnosed with Acute Amoebic Dysentery and Acute Gastroenteritis complicated by Severe Dehydration, for which urgent medical treatment was administered, including intravenous fluid therapy, antimicrobial medication, supportive treatment, and close clinical monitoring. Following appropriate treatment and management, the child showed clinical improvement and stabilization of condition. The prognosis is good with continued adherence to prescribed medication, adequate hydration, nutritional support, and follow-up care. Delayed or lack of treatment would have placed the child at risk of severe complications, including worsening dehydration, systemic infection, and other life-threatening conditions.