KARACHI: The Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Karachi, Dr Rudiger Lotz, and Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC) CEO Mervyn Lobo visited flood-affected communities in Sindh, with a mission to provide aid and renew their commitment to those impacted by the catastrophic floods of 2022.

Two years earlier, during the devastating floods, Dr Lotz had praised MALC’s efforts at their healthcare centre in Tando Jan Mohammed, highlighting the critical medical support they provided to an already vulnerable population. “We have been supporting MALC for over 60 years, a tradition that connects many Pakistani communities with Germany,” Dr Lotz remarked.

The visit included a tour of MALC’s Tando Jan Mohammed centre, where the team was greeted with traditional Ajrak and Topi. They observed the centre’s ongoing healthcare services and participated in a wheelchair distribution ceremony.

The delegation then continued to Haji Khan village, where they oversaw the handover of 31 newly constructed one-room houses to local families. This housing initiative symbolised recovery and hope and was part of a broader effort to restore stability and security for the displaced residents.

The day concluded with a tree-planting event, furthering the community’s commitment to rebuilding and environmental stewardship. Villagers expressed heartfelt gratitude for the new homes and the opportunity to begin anew, marking a hopeful turn in their lives after the floods.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2024