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 Facebook:  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