World Ostomy Day will be celebrated on 6 October 2012 and the theme is "Let's be heard!"

The aim of World Ostomy Day is to improve the rehabilitation of ostomates worldwide by bringing to the attention of the general public and the global community to the needs of ostomates and their families.

The life situation of ostomates

The contributions of Ostomy Associations and Ostomy Professionals

The value of the multidisciplinary approach in ostomy care

Activities to promote awareness around the world will include: educational programmes, seminars, support meetings and demonstrations, displays, electronic information networks, newspaper and magazine announcements, advertisements and articles, publication of informative handout materials and brochures, audio and video announcements and films, personal visits and lobbying activities, official government proclamations and joint activities with complementary agencies and professional health associations.

At this moment a lot of Regional and National Associations and Support Groups are preparing their activities. You’ll find their contribution on the regional websites:

EOA            www.ostomyeurope.org
ASPOA       www.ostomyasiasouthpacific.org 
OAA           www.ostomyamericas.org 

As on previous occasions, Coloplast, ConvaTec and Hollister also have organised activities to support World Ostomy Day 2012 globally 

After all this talk about World Ostomy Day some of you may be wondering exactly it is.

An ostomy pouching system (also colloquially called a bag) is a medical device prosthetic that provides a means for the collection of waste from a surgically diverted biological system (colon, ileum, urinary) and the creation of a stoma. Pouching systems are most commonly associated with colostomies, ileostomies, and urostomies.^[1]

Pouching systems usually consist of a collection pouch bag,^[2] known as a one-piece system or, in some instances involves a mounting plate, commonly called a wafer or a baseplate, and a collection pouch that is attached mechanically or with an adhesive in an airtight seal, known as a two-piece system. The selection of systems varies greatly between individuals and is often based on personal preference and lifestyle. Ostomy pouching systems collect waste that is output from a stoma. The pouching system allows the stoma to drain into a sealed collection pouch, while protecting the surrounding skin from contamination.^[3]

Ostomy pouching systems are air- and water-tight and allow the wearer to lead an active normal lifestyle that can include all forms of sports and recreation.

Ostomy pouching systems are also sometimes referred to as an appliance, where the term appliance refers to a prosthesis, as a mechanical replacement for a biological function.