World Ostomy Award

The WORLD OSTOMY AWARD is an exciting initiative delivered by the European Ostomy Association (EOA) in collaboration with the global medical device company Coloplast A/S.

We want to ensure a better life for people with an ostomy by raising their voice through activities that raise standards of care.

To fulfil this purpose, we will facilitate a global award for national stoma organisations that reward initiatives:

• Ensuring that people with stomas have their voice heard
• To secure the rights and access to dignified care for people with a stoma
• Ensure that people with a stoma have access to high-quality information
  and education that enable them to self-manage their condition
• To encourage sharing and adoption of best practices across the globe

The World Ostomy Award is intended to further support the execution of ostomy initiatives worldwide. The prize is awarded to nine national associations worldwide, which present the best initiative to execute locally.

There are regional contests for members of one of the three IOA-regions (Europe and Africa, Americas, and Asia and the Pacific Area).

Any national ostomy association worldwide that has ideas for local initiatives directly concerned with furthering the needs of people with a stoma is eligible to participate.  IBD and cancer associations with stoma-related activities are eligible to compete for the 3rd prize.

• 1^st prize receives €7,500 Euros per region
• 2^nd prize receives €3,500 Euros per region
• 3^rd prize: 3-4 prizes of €1,500–€2,300

The third prize is open to both member and non-member organisations as well as IBD and cancer associations with stoma-related activities.

Hear EOA President, Jon Thorkelsson announce the winners of the World Ostomy Awards 2025

Connection to World Ostomy Day Theme

The application should support the overall theme: INVISIBLE DISABILITIES – VISIBLE SUPPORT – The Global Unity of Ostomates

The application supports the aim of World Ostomy Day in improving the life of people with a stoma worldwide by bringing to the attention of the global community, the needs and aspirations of people with a stoma and their families.

Creativity and Innovation

The application should include a clear concept that shows originality – level of innovation and creativity. The application should reflect the wide diversity of people with a stoma and how they can share great mutual activities with other people in a social surrounding.

Expected Local Impact

The application should reflect public awareness – degree of impact nationally, e.g., including press coverage, engagement on social media etc. The applicants are realistically able to execute on the initiative with support from local agencies and volunteers.

Closing Deadline

The World Ostomy Award for 2025 has now closed