Shaleen W., 1

Shaleen is a premature infant born at 28 weeks of gestation with a low birth weight of 1,895 grams. Shortly after birth, she developed severe breathing difficulty because her lungs were not yet fully developed. She was immediately admitted to the Newborn Unit, where she remained for 13 days receiving specialized care. To help her breathe, she was placed on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), a machine that gently blows air through small tubes in the nose to keep the lungs open and make breathing easier. Because she was too weak to suck and swallow effectively, she could not breastfeed. She was therefore given intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and low blood sugar while receiving oxygen therapy. As her condition improved, the oxygen was gradually reduced, and small amounts of expressed breast milk were introduced before she was able to feed safely. Shaleen's father, a hotel cleaner earning about KSh 3,000 per month, is the family's sole provider. They live in a one-room mud house without electricity and were unable to meet the cost of the prolonged specialized newborn care that was essential for her survival.

Shaleen was born prematurely with low birth weight and developed multiple serious neonatal complications, including thrombocytopenia, neonatal sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, and acute kidney injury. She was immediately admitted to the Newborn Unit at Bungoma County Referral Hospital for specialized care and close monitoring. Through the support of Helpster Charity Organization, her family was able to access lifesaving treatment without financial burden. During admission, Shaleen received oxygen therapy and respiratory support to manage breathing difficulties caused by respiratory distress syndrome. She was started on intravenous antibiotics to treat neonatal sepsis and prevent further spread of infection. Careful fluid management and close monitoring of kidney function were provided to manage acute kidney injury. She also received nutritional support to promote weight gain and growth, along with regular monitoring and treatment for thrombocytopenia to reduce the risk of bleeding complications. With consistent and comprehensive care, Shaleen gradually improved. Her breathing stabilized, the infection resolved, kidney function recovered, and her platelet levels improved. She began feeding better, gained strength, and showed steady progress in growth and overall condition. After successful treatment and stabilization, Shaleen was discharged in a stable condition with follow-up care instructions for continued monitoring. Her family expressed deep appreciation to Helpster Charity Organization and Bungoma County Referral Hospital for the timely, compassionate, and lifesaving care that ensured her survival and recovery.

Shaleen was born extremely premature and developed low birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal sepsis, and thrombocytopenia, placing her at high risk of respiratory failure, severe infection, bleeding, and death. She required prolonged admission in the Newborn Unit with CPAP support, oxygen therapy, intravenous antibiotics, fluids, nutritional support, and close monitoring. Following comprehensive treatment, her condition gradually stabilized, breathing improved, and feeds were successfully established. Her prognosis is cautiously favorable, although she requires regular pediatric follow-up, growth monitoring, nutritional support, and developmental assessment because premature infants remain at increased risk of delayed growth, recurrent infections, and developmental challenges.