Uncover the Challenges Face by MSF to Malaysians

by Soh Li Nah

 “It is not a pretty film about the MSF heroes or heroines, the idea was more to immerse people in the MSF environment,” said Mark Hopkins, the director of the film, “Living in Emergency- Doctors without Borders”.

The screening of above mentioned film and photo exhibition, which organized by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), took place at The Annexe Gallery yesterday. The film is a raw and very real depiction of the dilemmas faced by MSF staff in the field and the toll their work can take on them both personally and professionally.

This is filmed in the war-zone of Liberia and Congo with unprecedented access to the field operations of Doctors without Borders, Living In Emergency follows four volunteer doctors as they sturuggle to provide emergency medical care under extreme conditions. Here is the film.

 

 

This is the very first time that MSF came to Malaysia to promote MSF values. The “Living in Emergency- Doctors without Borders” screening event attracted about 100 audiences. ( Retrieved from MSF in SoutheastAsia) 

Ability to manage stress is important

After the 90 minutes film screening, there is also a Q and A session for audience with three of the Malaysian MSF representatives: Dr.Tan Day Seng, Wong Siew Weun and Lim Suet Fong.

From their sharing, they stated that although there are about 30 of Malaysian volunteers in MSF, nevertheless, only 10 of them are active. Many are asking about the academic qualification of becoming a volunteer doctor.

“Actually the academic qualification is not the most important criteria in our field, because most of the volunteers just could not stand of the stress in those mal-condition environments at laggard countries.” Dr. Tan stated. He reiterated that they would not sanctified MSF to attract people joining their team, as some of the MSF medical placements are risky and even life threating to volunteers, and not many volunteers could overcome the hardship of becoming MSF.

Martyn Broghton( right), Director of Communications MSF was run the screening of the day. Lim Suet Fong( left), Wong Siew Weun( left second), and Dr Tan Day Seng( right second) were sharing their experience when working in MSF.

A worldwide movement

Regional Communications Manager MSF, Lee Pik Kwan said that majority might know that doctors without borders through dramas, and these are just a lip-deep info. Through these activities, MSF hope to increase public awareness on humanitarian crisis in third world countries.

MSF was founded in Paris, France in 1971. Its principles are described in the organisation's founding charter. It is a non-profit, self-governed organisation. Today, MSF is a worldwide movement of 23 associations, bound together as MSF International, based in Switzerland.Thousands of health professionals, logistical and administrative staff – most of whom are hired locally – work on programmes in some 70 countries worldwide.

MSF urged public support as it always in need of strong and reliable team of staff and volunteers to help and involve general running of the office. MSF also welcomes donation from public.

For better understanding and more detail of this organization, log onto www.msf.org.

Attendant may take a photo with the model that shows in the exhibition to remember experienced the special journey of Doctors without Borders.