Ksh 700
(5 Euros)7+
(Changed every 4 days)Ksh 4,900
(35 Euros)
For many Kenyans living with a stoma, access to appropriate stoma appliances is both a financial and logistical challenge. Quality stoma bags are expensive, often imported, and not consistently available throughout the country. With one quality bag costing approximately Ksh 700 (5 Euros) and needing to be changed every four days, the monthly expense of Ksh 4,900 (35 Euros) is beyond the reach of many Kenyans.
This financial burden often forces ostomates to make impossible choices between buying food or purchasing stoma supplies. Some resort to using plastic bags, cloth, or other makeshift solutions that can lead to skin irritation, infection, leakage, and social isolation.
Stoma World Kenya's appliance distribution program aims to bridge this critical gap by sourcing and distributing essential stoma supplies to members across Kenya. Working with local and international partners, we strive to ensure that ostomates have consistent access to quality stoma bags and related supplies at little or no cost, depending on their financial situation.
We work with partners including the European Ostomy Association (EOA) and Friends of Ostomates Worldwide-USA (FOW-USA) to source quality stoma appliances.
We assess each member's specific needs including stoma type, size, and their financial situation to determine appropriate support levels.
Appliances are distributed through our headquarters in Nairobi, regional centers, and during outreach programs to ensure nationwide access.
We provide training on proper appliance use, application techniques, and skin care to maximize the effectiveness of the supplies.
We don't always have enough supplies to meet the needs of all our members, creating difficult situations where ostomates must choose between food and stoma bags.
We're actively expanding our network of partners and donors to increase our supply capacity and ensure more consistent availability of appliances.
Most stoma appliances are imported, making them expensive due to shipping costs, import duties, and taxes.
We're advocating for tax exemptions on stoma supplies as essential medical devices and exploring possibilities of local manufacturing.
Members in rural and remote areas often face additional challenges accessing supplies due to distance and transportation challenges.
We're establishing regional distribution points and partnering with local health facilities to improve access in remote areas.
| Appliance Type | Description | For |
|---|---|---|
| Colostomy Bags | Closed-end and drainable pouches for collecting waste from a colostomy | Colostomy patients |
| Ileostomy Bags | Drainable pouches designed for more liquid output from an ileostomy | Ileostomy patients |
| Urostomy Bags | Specialized pouches with a tap outlet for draining urine | Urostomy patients |
| Barriers/Wafers | Adhesive baseplate that attaches to the skin and connects to the pouch | All ostomy types |
| Stoma Powder | Used to absorb moisture and protect irritated skin | Skin protection |
| Adhesive Removers | Products that help gently remove adhesives without damaging skin | Facilitating changes |
| Barrier Films | Creates a protective layer between the skin and adhesive | Skin protection |
SWK was made aware of one Emanuel Kilozo, a 9-year-old boy, who was born with an imperforate anus. He was fitted with a stoma while awaiting corrective surgery. Unfortunately, his father divorced his mother, attributing their son's condition to witchcraft.
This led the mother to turn to alcohol, and the family's difficult situation meant that no one followed up on Emanuel's care. When SWK visited him, he was living in poor conditions with a prolapsed stoma.
We encouraged his mother to take him to the hospital for a review. With SWK support, Emanuel underwent surgery to correct his condition, and the stoma was successfully reversed. Today, Emanuel is well and no longer requires a stoma.
Your contribution can help ensure that ostomates in Kenya don't have to choose between food and dignity. Help us provide essential stoma supplies to those in need.
Today we had the honor of attending a special event celebrating 60 years of Red Cross service to humanity. As a long-standing partner, Stoma World Kenya joined in recognizing the tremendous impact of the Red Cross on healthcare and humanitarian efforts in Kenya...
9-year-old Emanuel was born with an imperforate anus and fitted with a stoma. After SWK's intervention, he underwent successful surgery and no longer requires a stoma...
Stoma World Kenya has launched the first dedicated stoma management clinic in Eastern Africa, providing professional care and advice to ostomates throughout the region...
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