IOA and ASPOA at the Vanguard of Ostomy Care

The WCET Congress was true to its word that everything will be memorable, full of excitement, knowledge and networking for all. Everything was perfect. The Kuala Lumpur Convention Center was so busy and vibrant during those four days and one was not left wanting to visit all the sessions with a host of speakers from all over the world with their well prepared presentations.

I for one was given the opportunity to give two presentations during the 2nd and 3rd day of the congress. The following topics were as follows: IOA and ASPOA: Promoting Ostomy Rights and Advocacy Worldwide and the other presentation was about Sexual Intimacy for Ostomates. All the sessions were simultaneous where I was made to wonder if there will be a good number of listeners and indeed all the function rooms had a full house with the diverse topics being presented. What made my presentation worthwhile was the acknowledgement from Dato Dr Meheshinder Singh, president of the Malaysian Society of colorectal surgeons (MSCRS) and Ms. Elizabeth English RN ET, Stomal Therapy Nurse who believed that the Surgeons, Industry Partners and Ostomy Associations should all work in synergy to make the associations worthwhile and lasting. It was also fun to have met many ET nurses who would express appreciation for the presentation given by all the speakers.

it was indeed a privilege and an opportunity to speak before ET nurses and surgeons on the importance of strengthening ostomy associations as a support system for their wholistic and total development. A special shoutout to Puan Mariam Mohd Nasir ,WCET 2018 Congress Convenor, who had been a gracious host and equally a strong force in the upliftment of ET nursing care not only in Malaysia but also in the whole region.

by: Mr. Ronaldo Lora
ASPOA Secretary