Barrack
Barrack is a 9 year old boy who fell ill with malaria at a young age (see below). Up until his illness, he was a fit and healthy young boy, developing normally. However, the malaria very quickly went to his young and susceptible brain and central nervous system, and the damage it caused has been quite significant.
Barrack cannot speak, he communicates with his mother who cares for him by crying, and making different noises. His level of understanding is limited; however his grandmother has learnt to understand him and his needs. He loves to sing, he ‘hums’ along with his grandmother and to the radio at any given opportunity.
Barrack cannot walk or stand even. He no longer has control of his legs, and over the years they have become stiff and tight. Barrack used to spend most of his day on the floor, on his back or on either side. Spring of Hope have provided him with a chair, so he can now spend periods of the day sitting. Barrack can sit unsupported for short periods of time, and has maintained a level of function in his upper limbs. He can still grab and reach for objects, and is able to feed himself with solid foods such as banana, matooke, cassava. It is really important that Barrack does as much for himself as possible and his mother is very patient and understanding of this, and gives him this opportunity as often as possible.
For Barrack, it is now about maintaining a good quality of life; through lots of stimulation and interaction, and preservation of function; encouraging as much use of his arms and hands, and maintaining his muscle length and joint range of movement to prevent further contractures. It is also important to keep supporting his mother (main carer) and his family who care for him so well.
Cerebral Malaria
One million children die annually from malaria in Africa. The disease is caused by a parasite in the bloodstream spread via the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. Malaria can present in several ways; early stages include headache, fever, malaise. If not treated, the next stage could develop within 24 hours; jaundice, reduced consciousness and coma (also known as cerebral malaria).
Treatment in a hospital is essential, and the death rate might still be as high as 10% even in the best intensive care facilities. Malaria is preventable; by avoiding mosquito bites through the use of mosquito nets and insect repellent, but also though the use of anti-malarial drugs. Treatment, if started early, can be effective, and the type of treatment depends on local conditions.
The goal is to avoid contracting cerebral malaria, which affects the brain and central nervous system and can be fatal within 24 hours. If not fatal, the resulting physical and developmental (in young children/infants) disability from cerebral malaria can be significant and devastating.