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

Azlan Helmy Abd Samat,Husna Musa,Aneesa Abdul Rashid,Nur Asyikin Mohd Yunus,Ahmad Munawwar Helmi Salim

doi:10.1017/dmp.2021.106

Abstract

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.

Highlights

The threat of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Malaysia began in January 2020 after its first imported case from China, which was aggravated following a religious mass gathering in March.[1]
Control Order (MCO) which was subsequently replaced by the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) from June 10.2 Similar to others, Malaysia faced challenges, which included a shortage of workforce, personal protective equipment (PPE), and medical equipment, which were amplified as the number of cases increased
Apart from government efforts, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the public were generous with fundraising and even to self-produce PPEs.[1]

Summary

Introduction

The threat of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Malaysia began in January 2020 after its first imported case from China, which was aggravated following a religious mass gathering in March.[1]. Procurement of Items The IMARET COVID-19 Task Force formed a procurement team, consisting of mostly doctors who were experienced in purchasing medical equipment. Logistics Arrangement Temporary warehouses were set up with the inventory management system, and packing of items were done by volunteers. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Hood/head cover Face shields Inner scarves Gloves Aprons Boots 3-ply masks N95 masks PPE sets (isolation gowns, boot covers, hood) Isolation gowns Jumpsuit/coverall Boot/shoe covers Medical Equipment Ventilators Syringe pumps Vital sign monitors Isopods Portable ultrasounds Stethoscopes Spacer/aerochambers Thermoscan Infusion pumps Craniotomy boxes Intubation boxes Food and Hygiene Kit Distribution Food packs for B40 families Food packs for refugee families Formula milk (cans) Hygiene kits n (pieces/units). Compilation of Reports Documentation was made on every delivery, and reports were curated for transparency purposes, which included short videos and posters in IMARET social media

Discussion

Conclusion