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Tuesday, 30 October 2007 |
 In
1999, the war in Kosovo caused much suffering to innocent civilians,
especially women and children. Grieved by the inhumane act of ethnic
cleansing unleashed by the minority Serbs, Datuk Dr. Jemilah Mahmood,
an obstetrics-gynaecologist offered her medical services voluntarily.
However, she faced much difficulty in getting the needed support from
already established organisations. Thus, she and a few like-minded
individuals established the Malaysian Medical Relief Society, better
known as MERCY Malaysia in June 1999.
Dr. Jemilah then led the first aid mission to Kosovo, and marked MERCY
Malaysia's first mission. In total, five (5) missions were sent to
Kosovo between June to December 1999. The teams made up of Malaysian
medical professionals braved the uncertainty of a war torn country to
offer a helping hand, love and care, from thousands of miles away.
 In
Kosovo, MERCY Malaysia operated mobile medical clinics and offered post
traumatic psychological counselling. They held mobile clinics at
mosques and even at a bakery.
They knew little about what to expect but their passion to help heal
the wounds of the innocent fuelled their determination. Their
compassion was a true sign of inner strength and courage. The people
they served were their inspiration.
It is from the inspiration from the people of Kosovo that begins MERCY
Malaysia's determination to grow and to continue to heal across borders.
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