A Malaysian Medical Non-Governmental Organization's (NGO) Experience in the Emergency Response for COVID-19, Using the Whole-of-Society Collaborative Concept

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are one of the important players during a pandemic, including the Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia (IMAM) Response and Relief Team (IMARET). During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, IMARET played a key role in assisting health relief efforts in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness 2021-04, Vol.16 (6), p.1-2668
Main Authors: Abd Samat, Azlan Helmy, Abdul Rashid, Aneesa, Mohd Yunus, Nur Asyikin, Salim, Ahmad Munawwar Helmi, Musa, Husna
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Collaboration
Community
Cost analysis
COVID-19
Crowdfunding
Disease transmission
Emergency preparedness
Food
Health facilities
Hygiene
Logistics
Masks
Medical equipment
Medical supplies
NGOs
Nongovernmental organizations
Packaging
Pandemics
Personal protective equipment
Protective equipment
Public health
Report from the Field
Social networks
Society
Suppliers
Task forces
Ultrasonic imaging
Ventilators
Volunteers
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Summary:Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are one of the important players during a pandemic, including the Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia (IMAM) Response and Relief Team (IMARET). During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, IMARET played a key role in assisting health relief efforts in Malaysia. We are sharing this experience as a medical NGO's response to the pandemic. This report presents data from the March 18 to June 10, 2020, retrieved from IMARET's database with approval from the Executive Committee and the IMARET COVID-19 Task Force. We report that IMARET's task force consists of 30 people, mostly medical doctors. Supplies distributed included personal protective equipment with other medical equipment, such as portable ultrasounds and ventilators. IMARET engaged with 33 collaborators and 92 partners and funders. There were 135 volunteers with the majority being medical volunteers. IMARET raised more than RM $3 million (US $740 000) garnering support from over 40 000 donors in 85 days. In conclusion, NGOs play a significant role that effectively enhance and complement the consolidated works by the authorities and public in the effort to overcome COVID-19 challenges.
ISSN:1935-7893
1938-744X
DOI:10.1017/dmp.2021.106