The MAGIC Foundation, Kenya

29/09/2025

26/09/2025

Aristides Maniatis, MD, FAAPRocky Mountain Pediatric Endocrinology

22/09/2025

Situation in Cameroon. Many children in Cameroon suffer from growth issues — stunting, underweight, wasting — resulting from malnutrition, infections (like HIV), chronic diseases (like SCD), etc. • There is a gap between need and access when it comes to diagnosing specific growth disorders (e.g. due to hormone deficiency). Even when children are seen in clinics, the focus tends to be more on nutrition and infection control rather than endocrine causes. • Specialized treatments (like growth hormone) are probably rare, expensive, and only available in certain big cities, if at all. There is likely very limited public sector support or health insurance that covers GH therapy. • Delay in diagnosis means many children may miss the window where treatment is most effective (e.g. before or during puberty). This contributes to lifelong height deficits and psychosocial impact.

21/09/2025

19/09/2025

Understanding Growth Chart Percentiles

Ever wondered what it really means when your doctor says your child is in the 10th or 75th percentile? Here’s a quick breakdown.

What is a percentile?

Percentiles show how your child compares to other kids of the same age and s*x.

Example: If your child is in the 50th percentile for height, they’re right in the middle—half of kids are taller, half are shorter.

What’s “normal”?
-Anywhere between the 5th–95th percentile can be healthy.

What matters most is that your child follows their own curve consistently, not that they hit a certain number.

When to check in with your doctor:
-If your child’s growth percentile suddenly drops or jumps.
-If height and weight are very far apart (ex: very tall but very low weight).
-If puberty seems early, late, or not progressing.

Remember: Growth charts are just one tool. Every child’s journey is unique!

Parents, did your child’s percentile surprise you at their last checkup?

16/09/2025

Hi,my name is Mr.Awesome,I am 2 years old,here is my journey with Growth hormone.

16/09/2025

Facts & Definition
• “Turner syndrome is a condition affecting girls, where one of the X chromosomes is missing or altered.”
• “It can affect physical growth, heart health, ovaries, and sometimes hearing or kidneys.”

Prevalence or Likelihood
• “Globally, about 1 in 2,000-2,500 girls are born with Turner syndrome.”
• “Though rare, Turner syndrome is not extremely rare, and it occurs in all ethnicities, including in Kenya.”

Signs & When to Detect
• Short stature compared to peers.
• Delayed puberty or infertility.
• Skeletal differences, heart defects, kidney issues.
• Some signs are present at birth: swelling in hands/feet, webbed neck, or a broad chest. 

Importance of Early Diagnosis & Care
• Early diagnosis helps in managing associated health issues (heart, thyroid, growth).
• Growth hormone treatment can improve height outcome.
• Regular medical checks (cardiology, endocrinology, hearing) can improve quality of life.

Support & Rights
• Girls with Turner syndrome deserve inclusion in school, access to medical care, and emotional support.

Myths & Misconceptions
• It’s not caused by anything the parents did. It’s usually a random genetic event.
• Not all girls with Turner syndrome look the same; some features are mild.

Call to Action
• Encourage health professionals and parents to learn the signs.
• Promote genetic counseling / testing if signs are evident.
• Advocate for policies for coverage of needed medical treatments (e.g., hormone therapy).

Our goal is to educate parents and give doctors more time to intervene if needed to help the child before permanent damage occurs."

Www.magicfoundationafrica.org
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Stay tuned this week for more info!!!!

Please share any stories of your kiddos that are experiencing growth issues 🤗

16/09/2025

HAPPY GROWTH AWARENESS WEEK

16/09/2025

Child Growth Monitoring👦🏽👧🏽

1: Height Check.

“Children should grow a few centimeters every year!”

2: Shoe & Clothes Size

“If shoes stay the same for a long time, check growth!”

3: Face & Body

“Looking much younger than friends? That can be a sign.”

4: Energy & Play

“Low energy or less play can also be a clue.”

5: Puberty Signs

“Growth and puberty go hand in hand.”

“Good Growth = Good Health! If worried, see a doctor early.”follow our website to learn more www.magicfoundationafrica.org

16/09/2025

Why Speak Up?
Speak Up is a global call to action encouraging families, patients, and communities affected by growth disorders to share their experiences, highlight gaps in care, and advocate for better support. It’s about real voices, authentic stories, and uplifting messages.

What are we calling for?
📣Greater recognition of the true impact of all growth disorders alongside better tools for children and their families ​
📣Equitable access to psychosocial support for patients and their families with clear and actionable care pathways. ​​
📣Every child living with a growth disorder to be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Valued for who they are and not defined by height alone.
International Coalition of Organizations Supporting Endocrine Patients .

01/06/2025

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RZmSK7CdQJekDgOEdOmO5A

We regret to inform you that Dr.Madhura Joshi has unfortunately canceled her appearance due to unforeseen circumstances but we were fortunate to get her replacement, Dr.Paul Laigong whose expertise will provide a valuable and engaging discussion.We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.We thank you for your understanding and patience. Pediatric Endocrine Society Kenya