The International Ostomy Associations is an association of ostomy associations committed to the improvement of the quality of life of all ostomates and those with related surgeries worldwide. It provides to its member associations information and management guidelines, helps to form new ostomy associations and advocates on all related matters and policies. It is organized to grow and develop while remaining independent and financially viable.

The International Ostomy Association, or IOA is an ostomate-managed, non-profit-making, nonpolitical, religiously neutral organization of nationally based ostomy associations, whose only concern is the health and welfare of the members they serve.

PATRON MEMBERSHIP

Help IOA Bridge The 
Rehabilitation Gap
Around The World

As a Patron Member you will receive:

• subscription to Ostomy International Yearbook                                  

• IOA Today Newsletter                                                                   

• a special IOA membership pin                                                                                  

• a reduction of 25% in the World Congress registration fee, for those who have been
  Patron Members for the three consecutive years prior to the World Congress.         

Annual dues are CHF 50 (50 Swiss Francs)

To join as a Patron Member, send a check, money order or bank transfer*, together with your name, address, telephone, fax number and email address, to:                

                *Contact Mr. Zapf for details about a bank-to-bank funds transfer.

Patron membership in the IOA shall be open to nonparticipating individuals, Associations, Institutions, Companies and other bodies not being an Ostomy Group or Association. Patron membership shall automatically cease on the expiration date of the annual subscription unless renewed by payment of the further annual subscription

OSTOMY ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP AFFILIATION

IOA is divided geographically into 6 Regions - AFRICA, ASIA, EUROPE, NORTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN, SOUTH AMERICA and the SOUTH PACIFIC. IOA’s Constitution provides for the formation of a REGIONAL OSTOMY ASSOCIATION within each of these 6 Regions. The affairs of the REGIONAL OSTOMY ASSOCIATIONS are managed by officers elected by delegates representing member associations at regularly scheduled meetings. National Ostomy Associations become affiliated with IOA by joining a REGIONAL OSTOMY ASSOCIATION.

There are 2 classes of membership an ostomy association wishing to join a Regional Ostomy Association may elect: 1) FULL MEMBERSHIP and 2) ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP. An ostomy association which serves its entire country, or its country together with one or more other countries, may apply for a FULL MEMBERSHIP. Ostomy associations not qualifying for FULL MEMBERSHIP may apply for an ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP. FULL MEMBERSHIP Association delegates shall have the right to vote at Regional meetings and IOA Congresses.

IOA is governed by a World Council which meets periodically at World Congresses. A World Congress is held every 3 years. At these meetings delegates from full membership associations determine the policies of IOA and elect its leaders. The business affairs of IOA are managed by an Executive Council. A representative from each of the Regional Ostomy Associations, together with the IOA President, Vice President, Treasurer and Immediate Past President, serve as members of the Executive Council, assuring democratic representation in the management process. A Secretary is elected by the Executive Council.

Financing for IOA activities and projects is provided primarily through membership dues with additional funding coming from donations and grants contributed by concerned corporate and private interests. IOA membership dues, payable directly to IOA, are structured as follows:

  Download APPLICATION FORM
(Application Form is in Adobe PDF format)