26 OCTOBER 2014 @ 8:06 AM
KOTA KINABALU: Tragedies still affect Anita Malek despite years of being a nurse.
In her last mission, Anita was traumatised when she saw piles of bodies of dead children at the scene of a disaster in the Philippines in 2012.
“I cried as they had died so young,” said the Medical Relief Society of Malaysia (Mercy Malaysia) volunteer. However, Anita pulled herself together as her services were needed.
The 49-year-old matron at the Likas Women and Children Hospital here has been involved in such missions since 2005.
“I can’t say ‘no’. As long as I am capable, I will go no matter what the challenges are,” said the mother of three, who took up nursing at the age of 19.
Her first mission was in Pakistan in 2005, followed by Indonesia in 2006, Chile in 2010 and the Philippines in 2012.
She has also volunteered in numerous missions in Sabah.
“I have been exposed to not-so-comfortable places since my school days, doing community work or as a scout. So, when it comes to such missions, I have no issues,” said the soft spoken Kadazandusun.
During missions, Anita would provide emotional support to traumatised victims, treat the wounded, assist doctors and administer medications, among others.
“The challenge comes from stretching the limited resources available apart from staying focused.”
In providing voluntary services in the state, Anita said a lot needed to be done, especially in remote areas.
For instance, she said, villagers in Sonsogon Magandai, Kota Marudu, would have to spend about RM500 every time they travelled to the nearest clinic.
“This is why the road trips organised by Mercy are meaningful.”
Such outreach programmes covered deworming for children, check-ups for expectant mothers and pap smears, eye examinations and health education.
For Anita, the smiles of the people she helped are the best reward.
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