Aminu N., 2

Aminu Nasiru is a two year old boy who lives with his parents and three older siblings in a small rented room behind the market in Birniwa town. His father sells firewood by the roadside while his mother stays home caring for the children. The household earns an average monthly income of 12,000 naira. Aminu is a quiet child who enjoys watching older children play football from his mother's lap. He was exclusively breastfed for six months but stopped receiving any milk after one year. His family cannot afford mosquito nets, and their home has no screened windows. About five days before coming to Adari Medical Clinic, Aminu developed a cough that started slowly but became worse each day. His mother noticed he was breathing faster than usual, even when resting. After three days, Aminu refused to eat anything and stopped wanting to play. His mother became worried when she noticed that his skin and eyes looked very pale. On the fifth day, his breathing became very difficult, and he seemed too weak to cry. She subsequently took him to Adari Medical Clinic. Aminu is currently suffering primarily from a diagnosis of Bronchopneumonia complicated by malaria.

Aminu 2 year old arrived at the clinic, his tiny chest was heaving, and his lips were blue. Nurses placed him on oxygen immediately and started two IV lines because his veins were so small. His grandmother paced outside the ward praying. On day one, he received intravenous artesunate, ceftriaxone, and azithromycin. His mother stayed by his bedside, wiping his forehead. By day three, his breathing slowed down, and his oxygen level improved enough to remove the nasal prongs. He opened his eyes and whimpered for his mother's breast. On day five, Aminu was sitting up, smiling weakly, and trying to pull at his IV line. The family heard about Helpster Charity from a community health worker who visited their home during routine immunization outreach. Thank you, Helpster Charity, for saving our baby when we had nothing. You gave him oxygen, medicines, and a second chance at life. We will forever tell everyone about Helpster. Aminu was discharged smiling and waving at the nurses.

Aminu presents with features strongly suggesting severe bronchopneumonia complicated by anaemia and malaria. These put together can pose serious health risk and challenges to a 2 year old ranging from respiratory problems to failure to thrive. He needs to be promptly evaluated and managed as urgent as these are potentially life threatening. Prognosis is good with expedited management.