Gift W., 1

Gift is a four-week-old baby and the last-born in a family of four children. He was born prematurely at 32 weeks' gestation with a very low birth weight of 1,200 grams and was referred from Bokoli Sub-County Hospital to a Bungoma County Referral Hospital for specialized newborn care. Shortly after birth, he developed severe breathing difficulty, rapid breathing, chest indrawing, grunting, poor feeding, and low oxygen levels, indicating significant respiratory distress. He was immediately admitted to the Newborn Unit and placed on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), a machine that gently delivers pressurized air through the nose to keep the lungs open, improve oxygen delivery, and reduce the effort required to breathe. Owing to his prematurity and fragile condition, he required close monitoring, warmth, nutritional support, and specialized neonatal care. Gift's mother, who earns about KSh 900 per month as a security guard and is the family's sole provider, was overwhelmed by the rising hospital bills. Living in a modest two-room mud house without electricity and struggling to meet even basic needs, she feared her baby would miss lifesaving treatment until a hospital administrator referred her to Helpster Charity for financial assistance.

Gift was born prematurely with low birth weight and was diagnosed with thrombocytopenia, neonatal sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, and acute kidney injury. Due to the severity of his condition, he was admitted to the Newborn Unit at Bungoma County Referral Hospital, where he received specialized care and close monitoring. Through the support of Helpster Charity Organization, his family was able to access lifesaving treatment without the burden of overwhelming medical expenses. During his hospitalization, Gift received oxygen therapy and respiratory support to help him breathe, intravenous antibiotics to treat neonatal sepsis, intravenous fluids and careful monitoring of kidney function to manage the acute kidney injury, and nutritional support to promote growth and weight gain. His platelet levels were closely monitored, and he received appropriate treatment for thrombocytopenia. The medical team provided round-the-clock care to ensure that all complications were effectively managed. Over time, Gift responded positively to treatment. His breathing gradually improved, the infection resolved, kidney function stabilized, platelet counts improved, and he began feeding well and gaining weight. As his condition continued to improve, he became stronger and more active. After successful treatment and stabilization, Gift was discharged in a stable condition with follow-up appointments for continued monitoring and growth assessment. His family expressed heartfelt gratitude to Helpster Charity Organization and Bungoma County Referral Hospital for their compassionate support and quality medical care, which helped save his life and gave him a chance for a healthier future.

The doctor explained that although Gift's condition was critical, his prognosis is favorable with timely and consistent treatment. Specialized neonatal care helps improve breathing, treat infection, support kidney function, prevent bleeding due to low platelets, and promote healthy growth. With adequate nutrition, regular follow-up, and close developmental monitoring, he has a good chance of achieving normal growth and developmental milestones. Without prompt treatment, however, he would have been at high risk of respiratory failure, severe infection, kidney failure, life-threatening bleeding, poor growth, permanent disability, or death.