Sarah W., 9

Sarah is a 9-year-old Grade 4 pupil living with her parents in a humble mud house. Her father works as a cleaner in a nearby hotel earning about KSh 1,500 monthly, while the family survives with limited resources, fetching water from a distant source and managing only two meals a day. Despite these hardships, Sarah is respectful, hardworking, and determined to succeed in school. She enjoys singing, reading storybooks, skipping rope, and helping her mother with simple chores. She dreams of completing her education and improving her family’s future. Sarah was brought to Bulondo Health Centre after more than a week of headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, poor appetite, and severe weakness. Her condition gradually worsened despite being given herbal medicine at home. She became very weak, unable to play normally, lost appetite completely, and spent most of the time lying down due to exhaustion. Because of financial struggles, treatment was delayed until her father learned about a medical inreach at the facility.

Sarah was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain, persistent fever, body weakness, vomiting, and poor appetite. After medical assessment and investigations, she was diagnosed with typhoid fever complicated by peritonitis. She was immediately started on intensive treatment and closely monitored due to the seriousness of her condition. During admission, Sarah received strong antibiotics, intravenous fluids, pain management, nutritional support, and continuous nursing care. She was carefully monitored for abdominal complications and response to treatment. As treatment progressed, her fever reduced, abdominal pain improved, appetite returned, and her general condition gradually stabilized. Through the support of Helpster Charity Organization, Sarah was able to access free medical treatment and hospital care despite her family’s financial difficulties. This assistance enabled her to receive timely and complete care without interruption. After significant improvement and stabilization, Sarah was discharged home with medication and follow-up instructions.

Sarah was diagnosed with gastroenteritis, enteric fever, and severe dehydration after presenting with prolonged diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, poor appetite, and marked weakness. Her condition required urgent admission for intravenous fluids, antibiotics, nutritional support, and close monitoring to correct dehydration and control infection. Since treatment was initiated, she has shown gradual improvement with better hydration, reduced fever, and improved strength. Her recovery progress is encouraging, though continued medication adherence, adequate nutrition, and follow-up care will be important to ensure full recovery and prevent recurrence or complications.