RUTH Pfau was a gem of a person. She was an epitome of kindness and a great example of humanity, was a symbol of selflessness and devotion to leprosy patients. She devoted her entire life to the people of Pakistan and their battle against leprosy.

Dr Pfau had been living in Pakistan since 1960, and when she came to the country from Germany, she was just 29. After she witnessed the sufferings of the Pakistan’s leprosy patients, she decided to stay in this country. In addition, she travelled to various parts of Pakistan to treat the leprosy patients.

By starting with the medical treatment for the leprosy patients in a hut, she founded the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre in Karachi, which has now its chapters in each province of Pakistan as well as Gilgit-Baltistan.

Owing to her continued efforts, the World Health Organisation declared Pakistan one of the first countries in Asia to have controlled leprosy in 1996. Dr Pfau’s tremendous efforts earned her Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam, Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Hilal-i-Pakistan, Ramon Magsaysay Award and Nishan-i-Quaid-i-Azam. Widely known as Pakistan’s Mother Teresa. She tried her best to eradicate leprosy from our country and her services will never be forgotten.

“We are proud of her exemplary service, and she will remain in our hearts as a shining symbol in times ahead.

Anita Wilson
Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2017