Overcoming a deadly infection

October 7, 2024

Little Sovann was just ten months old when he started getting very sick. He was pale and suffering from a bad cough, diarrhoea and fever. When he started struggling to breathe, his worried mother Rachana took him to a small local clinic near their home in Poipet.

But when Sovann’s condition became critical, the staff recommended going to AHC. Being from a poor family, Rachana had to borrow money from her neighbors for the three-hour taxi ride to Siem Reap.

“When my baby got sick, I was so upset. I didn’t have the money to take him to a hospital for the right treatment. I got scared when his condition became serious.”

Rachana, Sovann’s mother

Seeing Sovann’s critical condition, our doctors immediately admitted him to our intensive care unit. Sovann had developed sepsis from dysentery — a life-threatening complication of an already dangerous stomach infection. Without proper treatment, both can be deadly — especially for small babies like Sovann.

Our medical team started giving him antibiotics to fight the infection, while our nutrition team kept his strength up with a special diet. Our medical social work team also supported Sovann by paying for his treatment and food packages.

Within a week, Sovann’s infection disappeared, along with his fever, diarrhoea and cough. With Sovann now stabilised, Rachana could finally take him home.

“I don’t know where else Sovann would receive such great care. Even though I’m poor, every nurse and doctor treated me politely and equally. They didn’t leave his side. I never knew there was a place as special as AHC.”

Rachana, Sovann’s mother