In this week's episode of the #NiunetPodcast, we spoke to Janet Yaki, Founder and President of the PNG Stoma Association. Living with a stoma has its difficulties and is a harsh reality for those living with one in Papua New Guinea. Ostomates in PNG have to deal with a severe lack of aftercare, the high cost of colostomy bags, and potentially facing discrimination from their communities and families. But it’s through the work of people like Janet and her association that those now living with a stoma are supported and given a voice. Sitting down with Janet was an eye-opening experience as she shared her journey as an Ostomate, her recovery from bowel cancer, the creation of the PNG Stoma Association, the importance of aftercare for those living with a stoma, and her mission to help the Ostomates of PNG.

Here are time codes for easy navigation

00:00 - Intro

01:08 - Who is Janet

02:12 - What prompted her to start the association?

05:22 - What is an Ostomy?

06:35 - High Price of Colostomy Bags

10:18 - Lack of specialists where colostomy bags are sold

11:00 - Importance of Stoma Therapy nurses

12:11 - When the Gold Coast Ostomy Association found out about her work 

16:35 - The presentation she made to The Gold Coast Ostomy Association 

19:31 - Lack of aftercare

21:10 - How she helps Ostomates

23:04 - Fundraising events

25:13 - The different bags for adults and children

31:48 - How she currently operates

36:21 - Fear of stigma

38:39 - The accessibility of colostomy bags has helped the Ostomates in contact with Janet

41:00 - Lack of awareness of bowel cancer

43:10 - lack of awareness in rural areas

44:11 - Permanent and temporary stomas

47:05 - Stoma discrimination

49:16 - The number of Ostomates Janet has helped

55:00 - Cultural stigma

57:43 - If something feels wrong, get it checked out

1:03:03 - How to contact Janet

1:04:10 - Closing

1:04:39 - ENDS

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PNG Stoma Association 

Don’t forget; you can message us if you have any questions or get in touch through email at [email protected]!

Have anyone interesting for us to talk to? Let us know too!

Hope you enjoy the episode everyone!

#niunetpng #educationeverywhere #pngstomaassociation #health #stoma