Paediatric stoma care is a little-discussed topic, but for many children and their families, it is a daily reality. Stoma bags are used to collect waste from the body when a person is unable to do so naturally. For children with such gastrointestinal abnormalities, these bags are life-savers and an essential part of managing their health. Despite this, they often face stigma & misunderstanding by those who are unaware of their conditions.
‘Stoma Stories’ is a project by the Community Service Avenue of the Rotaract Club of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo in partnership with the Gastroenterology Clinic of Lady Ridgeway Hospital, which sheds light on paediatric stoma bags & the challenges faced by young children living with them. This project is done under the Rotary Focus Area of Maternal & Child Health. A special mention of appreciation goes to RTR Afrah Niyas, past president of RACFOM, who facilitated this partnership & initiated the project.
The project started with a book launch by the Gastroenterology clinic during the 5th anniversary celebrations of the Paediatric Stoma Care Clinic at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital on the 6th of August, 2024. The illustrated children’s book titled ‘Bandi Gediye Kathawa’ was launched under the leadership of Prof. Shaman Rajindrajith & is available for free distribution in Sinhala, Tamil & English at the GE clinic at LRH. This event was followed by performances by the children who are undergoing treatment at the paediatric stoma care clinic, who showed us once again, that they are nothing short of heroes who are thriving in life, despite all their hardships.
The next phase of ‘Stoma Stories’ aims to raise awareness among school children island-wide about the gut health of children, under the guidance of the GE clinic at LRH. This phase is being conducted in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Matale & Rotaract Club of Chunnakam.
The awareness programmes kicked off on the 15th of August 2024, at Muslim Ladies’ College Colombo. We are immensely thankful to the teachers & students of Muslim Ladies’ College for facilitating this event & for their very positive reception.
This phase of ‘Stoma Stories’ is still ongoing, with the next awareness programme scheduled to be held in Matale, in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Matale. Stay tuned with RACFOM for further updates.
