A Malaysian medical non-governmental organisation'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 COVID-19, 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 18th of March to the 10th of June 2020 retrieved from IMARET's database with approval from the Executive Committee (EXCO) and the IMARET COVID-19 Task Force. We report IMARET's task force consists of 30 people, mostly medical doctors. Aids distributed included Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) with other medical equipment such as portable ultrasounds and ventilators. IMARET engaged with 33 collaborators and 92 partners and funders. There were 135 volunteers, majority of them being medical volunteers. IMARET raised more than RM 3 million (USD 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.