This topic is about the challenges faced by ostomates in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the efforts to improve awareness and access to ostomy supplies in the region. A dedicated individual, who has been living with a colostomy for over three years after surviving stage-4 rectal cancer, shares her experiences and initiatives to support others in similar situations.

- In PNG, there is a significant lack of public understanding, specialist care, and access to ostomy supplies, leading to feelings of isolation and stigma for ostomates.
- Her life-saving surgery was made possible through the support of Chang-Hua Christian Hospital in Taiwan, as local and regional medical costs were too high.
- Initially, her post-operative care was limited to basic materials like gauze and tape. Through online research, she connected with SALTS Healthcare Ltd. in the UK, which has been donating adult pouches for the past two years.
- Realizing that many others in PNG, including at least 20 children in the national hospital, were struggling with inadequate supplies, she started a media awareness campaign and registered the Papua New Guinea Stoma Association (PNGSA) as a charity, with plans to launch it publicly on June 8.
- The association's goals include running education and stigma-reduction programs, collecting and distributing ostomy supplies for both adults and children, and providing a meeting place for ostomates whose needs are unmet by local hospitals.
- She is actively seeking donations of pouches, especially for children, as well as affordable shipping solutions to PNG.

For those interested in supporting this cause:

- Donations can be sent to the Papua New Guinea Stoma Association at P.O. Box 475, Port Moresby, National Capital District, Papua New Guinea.
- Updates and contact information are available on their Facebook page.
- While in Brisbane, she reconnected with suppliers and is willing to cover postage costs for donated goods.
- She previously visited the Queensland Stoma Association in 2010, where she learned about the potential for receiving returns through Lions and Rotary charities, though timing and citizenship rules were limiting factors at the time.
- She is looking for sources of children's pouches, estimates of carton numbers and weights from donors to seek freight sponsorship, and contact points for a UK-based "Wantok Support" group to help bundle and ship supplies.

Advice and insights for sourcing supplies and support:

- Approach Australian manufacturers, stoma associations, and hospitals for surplus or returned supplies.
- The Queensland Stoma Association in Australia holds returns and can be contacted for details.
- The UK charity OstomyAid ships unused supplies to countries in need.
- Collect supplies in the UK through local stoma nurses to consolidate for cheaper shipping.
- Individual donors in the USA, UK, Australia, and elsewhere are exploring postal or missionary freight routes, with the recipient able to reimburse postage.
- Long-term ostomates have shared the value of peer-to-peer visits and mentoring, encouraging PNGSA to adopt a similar model.
- Many have expressed support and admiration for her initiative, recognizing the stark contrast between their access to care and the shortages in PNG.

Brands and organizations involved include SALTS Healthcare Ltd., Chang-Hua Christian Hospital, Queensland Stoma Association, Lions & Rotary International, OstomyAid, Ostomy Lifestyle, and OstomyLand.