By: Saravanan Nagappan
President, Malaysian Ostomy Association (MOsA)
Coloproctology 2026, held from 23 April 2026 to 25 April 2026, was a very meaningful and memorable event. As one of the major annual gatherings for the coloproctology community, it brought together healthcare practitioners (doctors & nurses), pharmaceutical companies, experts, and patients to share knowledge, exchange experiences, and discuss the latest developments in the field.
The Malaysian Ostomy Association (MOsA) was once again proud to take part in this important event. Together with the coloproctology team, we set up a booth to create greater awareness about ostomates and the daily challenges they face.
One of the most important roles MOsA played during the event was helping to bridge the gap between practitioners and patients. While healthcare practitioners provide medical care and treatment, they may not always fully understand the emotional and personal struggles faced by ostomates in their everyday lives. Through this event, we were able to share real experiences and help practitioners better understand the feelings, challenges, and journeys of ostomy patients beyond the clinical perspective.
Malaysia is a large country with many states, while MOsA mainly operates from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Patients who live nearby can reach us more easily, but those from the northern region, southern region, and East Malaysia often face difficulties accessing our support and services.
Many practitioners were also unaware that there is an association dedicated to supporting ostomy patients. During the event, many of them had the opportunity to connect with us and learn more about the work and support provided by MOsA. They were also willing to help share information about MOsA with their patients across Malaysia, which is an important step in helping more ostomates receive the support they need.
At the same time, many patients from different states attended the event. This gave everyone the chance to meet, share experiences, exchange knowledge, and participate in meaningful discussions and activities together. It was encouraging to see patients, healthcare practitioners, and MOsA coming together with the same goal of supporting and strengthening the ostomy community in Malaysia.
This year’s event felt especially special because of the strong participation and positive engagement from attendees. The sessions were both informative and practical, covering clinical advancements as well as real-life approaches to patient care. It created valuable learning opportunities for everyone involved.
Another highlight of the event was the upcoming 5th Conference of the Asia and South Pacific Ostomy Association (ASPOA), which will be held in Bogor, Indonesia, from 6th to 8th November 2026. ASPOA plays an important role in bringing together the ostomy community across the region to collaborate, share knowledge, and improve support for ostomates.
The excitement and anticipation for the upcoming ASPOA conference could clearly be felt throughout the event. Many discussions focused on preparations for the conference, with participants sharing ideas, expectations, and ways they could contribute to making the event meaningful and successful. More importantly, it created a stronger sense of unity and teamwork among everyone involved.
A special appreciation goes to the Indonesian team, led by Dr. Widasari Sri Gitarja, for their incredible effort and dedication in promoting the upcoming conference. Their passion and commitment were truly inspiring. Together with them, the Malaysian Ostomy Association (MOsA) and the Malaysian Society of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses (MSWOCN) were proud to support and help promote the conference in Bogor.
As MOsA continues its mission to support and advocate for ostomates, the relationships built and knowledge shared during this event will play an important role in expanding access to support and improving patient care. Looking ahead, the upcoming 5th ASPOA Conference in Bogor,
Indonesia, presents another exciting opportunity to further strengthen regional cooperation, exchange best practices, and advance the quality of life for ostomates throughout the region. Together, we can continue building a more informed, connected, and supportive future for every ostomy patient.
