Pakistan Mourns German Doctor Ruth Pfau
In Pakistan, Dr. Pfau was lovingly referred to as the “mother of leprosy patients.” In 2014, Radio Vatican even compared her to Mother Teresa, the late Roman Catholic nun revered for her work in India.
According to initial reports, Dr. Pfau expressed her wish to be buried in Karachi, the capital of the Pakistani province of Sindh.
Born in Leipzig, Germany, Pfau studied gynecology in Bonn before arriving in Karachi in 1960. Originally on her way to India, a visa problem caused her to be delayed in Karachi. During her stay, she encountered slum dwellers suffering from leprosy, a nerve and skin infection, which led her to decide to remain in Pakistan and dedicate her life to fighting the disease.
A Life-Changing Moment
Pfau later recounted the moment that solidified her decision to stay in Pakistan. While visiting a leprosy ghetto behind a railway station in Karachi, she saw a man crawling through dirt on his hands and knees due to his condition. This sight left a profound impact on her.
In 1979, the Pakistani government appointed Dr. Pfau as the national adviser on leprosy and tuberculosis control programs, with the rank of state secretary.
She led the Maria Adelaide Leprosy Centre in Karachi, and by 1980, her team had expanded its efforts to neighboring Afghanistan. In 2012, she passed on the daily management of the center to a Pakistani colleague.
The MALC, with its 157 branches across Pakistan, including many in remote areas, claims to have cured more than 50,000 leprosy patients. By 1996, the number of new infections in Pakistan reportedly reached a historic low.
Dr. Pfau’s work extended beyond borders, and her legacy continues to inspire.
Dr. Ruth Pfau’s life was a testament to what one person’s dedication can achieve. Her work in Pakistan transformed the lives of thousands and brought global attention to the plight of those suffering from leprosy. More than a doctor, she was a real hero—one who quietly but profoundly made the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.
Her story is an inspiration to us all, a reminder that true heroism lies in the service of others, in lifting those who have been cast aside, and in dedicating ourselves to making the world a more compassionate and just place.
Germany and Pakistan have maintained a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship for several decades. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1951, the two countries have collaborated in various fields, including trade, education, development assistance, and cultural exchange. While the relationship may not always attract significant international attention, it has nonetheless evolved into a strong and multifaceted partnership that continues to grow.
written by Nuzhat Naheed Arbab
10.03.2024
