With the COVID-19 outbreak looming over the world, TICA would like to share a story, told by one of our Friends from Thailand (FFT) volunteers, that has inspired us to keep on working and to believe that we will all survive this tough time together.

Her name is Jib (Ms. Mashchimaporn Songsang). She is currently in Bhutan as an FFT volunteer, who has decided to continue her stay in Bhutan—despite the outbreak—to support the country’s effort in fighting the pandemic.

Jib volunteers in the position of laboratory technologist in the Department of Disease Control, Bhutan’s Ministry of Health. Initially, she was assigned to the virology laboratory to help nurturing viral cells for the World Health Organization (WHO) in order to develop vaccines and conduct surveillance on viral diseases. This project gave Jib a unique opportunity to work with international organizations, leading health organizations and renowned health workers in Bhutan and around the world.

She told TICA that her first few months in Bhutan were the toughest as it took some time for her to eventually feel settled and comfortable with the different lifestyle of the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu. The city is unfamiliar. There are lush greeneries everywhere, the weather is colder and the locals are generally very friendly and helpful. Outside her Monday-to-Friday workdays, she often found herself picnicking, hiking and travelling around the mountainous kingdom.

It has been almost six months since her arrival in Bhutan, and perhaps the current time is the most challenging. The COVID-19 outbreak hit Bhutan and resulted in nationwide lockdown.
Jib’s spirited character drove her to join Bhutan’s national frontline team to combat the virus, utilizing her experience in the field of virology and the capacity of her lab in detecting and examining the nature of viral cells. In fact, Bhutanese healthcare sector was active even before the advent of virus in the country as they knew the virus would ultimately enter the country. Thus, Jib’s initial jobs were to consult with WHO in preparing for the outbreak, equipping healthcare services and training healthcare staff with the capabilities needed. This hard task was accomplished thanks to Jib’s and her team’s hard work and determination to succeed.
She experienced firsthand on how to respond to the outbreak and the subsequent lockdown, working in Tyvek suit and testing suspected patients. Her team’s effort had not gone unnoticed as His Majesty the King of Bhutan graciously sent several nutritional supplements as well as His regard to the team, thanking them for their role in keeping Bhutan safe.

The first COVID-19 case in Bhutan was officially confirmed in early March. While the Bhutanese were initially caught off-guard by the virus, the situation subsequently bettered owing to the effective response and policies from the Government. Jib told TICA that she is especially grateful for the King of Bhutan who, in a gesture of national unity and community, joined hands with the Bhutanese Government and healthcare workers in working to formulate national plans and remedial measures for the people of Bhutan.

Since day one, every Bhutanese received hand sanitizers and hygiene products from the Government, and every sector assured the public that the country’s food stockpiles were plentiful enough for everyone. Information regarding the spread of virus was regularly updated by relevant agencies, and flu clinics were set up in every province for disease detection and treatments. The effectiveness of Bhutanese response to the disease is most evident in the country’s COVID-19 statistics, where all the cases found in Bhutan are imported and there are no reports of fatalities. As a symbol of her commitment, Jib declared her decision to remain in Bhutan and continue working for the country’s COVID-19 frontline team. She also shared with TICA her optimism the COVID-19 outbreak could surely be controlled and that it would eventually subside.

To those who want to become volunteers, Jib said that while it is true that volunteers have to sacrifice many things such as having to part with the comfort of their homes, postponing their opportunities to continue their educations and occupations, the experience is definitely unique and worth it. Being a volunteer is about realizing your dream and utilizing your knowledge from the field you like for the benefits of others, and in return you will receive gratitude and heart-warming moments that make you feel all the hard works and sleepless nights you have put in are truly rewarding. For Jib, it is simply the words she often hears from her Bhutanese colleagues “Thank you for serving our country.”

Lastly, Jib wants to appeal to those who have dreams to listen to their hearts and choose the path they wish to take. It is never too late to start following your dreams, and for those who dare, good memories, experience and newfound skills await.

Good luck and take care