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6
East African Countries
2026
Year Established
1
Unified Regional Voice
Lives to Impact
Kenya Uganda Tanzania Rwanda Burundi S. Sudan EACOA — EST. 2026
EACOA Logo
About EACOA

We Help People Living With Ostomies Across East Africa

"Let's work together to give hope to the hopeless and become a voice to the voiceless."

Dr. Alex Mushabe, Chairman — EACOA

The East Africa Community Ostomy Association (EACOA) is a regional non-governmental organisation bringing together ostomy associations, support groups, healthcare professionals, and advocates across East Africa to improve the quality of life of people living with a stoma.

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Contact Us
Our Focus Areas

Key Challenges We Are Working To Overcome

Supplies
Access to Affordable Ostomy Supplies

Many ostomates across East Africa struggle to access essential, affordable ostomy appliances. We work to change that.

6 Countries

Growing Impact

60%
Ostomy Supplies Access
Education
Stoma Care Training & Education

We support the training of stoma care nurses and provide education for patients, families, and healthcare providers.

Regional Reach

Expanding Network

50%
Stoma Care Education
Advocacy
Reducing Stigma & Patient Rights

We run awareness campaigns, engage policymakers, and advocate for the dignity and rights of every ostomate in the region.

Policy Engagement

Active Campaigns

70%
Advocacy & Patient Rights
What We Do

How EACOA Supports Ostomates Across East Africa

Patient Support

Patient Support & Community

We connect ostomates across East Africa with peer support networks, resources, and communities so no one faces their journey alone.

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Healthcare Training

Healthcare Professional Training

We partner with hospitals and institutions to train stoma care nurses and improve the standard of ostomy-related medical care.

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Regional Advocacy

Regional Advocacy & Policy

We engage governments, NGOs, and international bodies to advocate for better policies, reduced stigma, and improved access to care.

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Our Leadership

Meet the People Driving Change Across East Africa

A dedicated team of advocates, survivors, nurses, and community leaders united by one mission.

Chairman Dr. Alex Mushabe
Dr. Alex Mushabe

Chairman, EACOA

Director, Ostomy Assoc. Uganda

Vice Chairman Tarsim Singh Devgun
Tarsim Singh Devgun

Vice Chairman, EACOA

Chairman, Stoma World Kenya

Secretary Mary Wanjiru Thuo
Mary Wanjiru Thuo

Secretary, EACOA

Vice Chairperson, Stoma World Kenya

Treasurer Lilian Ruguru Njogu
Lilian Ruguru Njogu

Treasurer, EACOA

Program Manager, Stoma World Kenya

Board Member Tejinder Singh Ghatauray
Tejinder Singh Ghatauray

Board Member, EACOA

OGW, HSC • Philanthropist

Board Member Walter Otim Robinson
Walter Otim Robinson

Board Member, EACOA

Ostomy Advocate

Clinical Lead Lawrence Gichini
Lawrence Gichini

Clinical Lead — Stoma & Education

Stoma, Wound & Continence Specialist

Tanzania/Zanzibar Tanzania/Zanzibar Ostomy Advocate
Mohammed

Board Member & Country Rep.

Colorectal Cancer Champion, Tanzania/Zanzibar

Member Stories

Voices From Our Ostomate Community