Mohammed
Board Member & Country Representative
EACOA — Tanzania/Zanzibar
Tanzania Colorectal Cancer Champion & Ostomate Advocate
Board Member & Country Representative — EACOA
Colorectal Cancer Champion • Ostomate Advocate • Tanzania
A Journey of Resilience
August 2022 — Diagnosis
Life took a profound and unexpected turn with a diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer — a condition that affects thousands of people around the world each year. This marked the beginning of months of consultations, medical assessments, and emotional preparation.
December 2022 — Life-Saving Surgery
Major surgery successfully addressed the disease but resulted in a permanent ostomy, leaving a stoma. While a life-saving intervention, it also marked the beginning of a new journey — one that required resilience, adaptation, and determination.
2023–Present — Turning Experience into Mission
Rather than allowing the diagnosis to define any limits, the experience was transformed into a mission of service — standing today as a proud colorectal cancer champion and strong ostomate advocate in Tanzania, using a personal story to educate, inspire, and support others navigating similar health challenges.
Living with a stoma has provided a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and social realities faced by ostomates. It has also strengthened a commitment to ensuring that no individual facing this condition ever feels isolated or unsupported.
"Awareness saves lives, education removes stigma, and community support restores hope."
— Tanzania Ostomy Advocate, EACOA
Building a National Ostomy Association in Tanzania
Currently actively working toward establishing a national Ostomy Association in Tanzania — an initiative driven by the urgent need for awareness, support systems, and representation for ostomates across the country. Despite the challenges involved in organising such a movement, the commitment remains strong to build a sustainable platform that can serve patients, families, healthcare professionals, and policymakers alike.
Vision
To build a united, supportive, empowered, and happy community of ostomates in Tanzania.
Mission
To advocate for the rights, dignity, and well-being of all ostomates in Tanzania.
Core Objectives of the Proposed Tanzania Ostomy Association
Raise Awareness
Raising awareness about colorectal cancer, ostomy procedures, and life after surgery across Tanzania.
Inform Stakeholders
Informing healthcare providers, government institutions, and community leaders about the needs of ostomates.
Mobilise Support
Mobilising support from medical organisations, NGOs, and the wider community across Tanzania.
Represent Ostomates
Ensuring that the voices of ostomates are heard in discussions about healthcare policy and patient welfare.
Advocacy is not merely about speaking out — it is about ensuring that people living with ostomies receive proper medical care, reliable access to ostomy appliances, psychological support, and accurate information that empowers them to live confidently. Through continued advocacy, collaboration with medical professionals, and the eventual establishment of a national ostomy association, the commitment is to transform the narrative around ostomy life in Tanzania — from one of silence and stigma to one of strength, resilience, and empowerment.
Contact EACOA
General Email
info@eaostomyassociation.orgPhone / WhatsApp
+256 772 822118