Dr. Ruth Pfau, a German-Pakistani physician and Catholic nun, dedicated her entire life to the service of humanity—most notably, to eradicating leprosy in Pakistan. Born on September 9, 1929, in Leipzig, Germany, Dr. Pfau witnessed the devastation of World War II during her youth, which deeply influenced her commitment to alleviating human suffering. Her unwavering spirit and compassionate heart eventually led her to Pakistan in 1961, where she began a remarkable journey that would transform the nation’s healthcare landscape.
Dr. Pfau originally intended to serve in India, but due to visa issues, she stopped in Karachi, Pakistan. It was there that she visited a leprosy colony near the city’s McLeod Road and was deeply moved by the condition of the patients. This moment marked a turning point in her life. Rather than continuing her journey, she decided to stay in Pakistan and devote herself to fighting leprosy.
In 1962, she founded the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC) in Karachi, which became the country’s first facility for the treatment of leprosy. From this modest beginning, Dr. Pfau's work expanded across the nation.
Dr. Pfau’s efforts were both medical and humanitarian. She worked tirelessly to eliminate the stigma associated with leprosy, travelling to the most remote and underserved areas of Pakistan to identify and treat patients. Over the years, she established 157 leprosy clinics across the country, directly treating more than 56,780 patients.
Her work extended beyond clinical treatment. She was instrumental in designing and implementing Pakistan’s National Leprosy Control Programme, launched in the 1980s. Under her leadership, Pakistan became one of the first countries in Asia to control leprosy effectively. In 1996, the World Health Organization declared Pakistan leprosy-free, a milestone largely credited to her relentless efforts.
Dr. Pfau also played a significant role in training Pakistani medical staff. She built local capacity by educating doctors, nurses, and health workers to continue the fight against leprosy and related diseases. Through her advocacy and partnerships, she attracted international support and donations to sustain MALC’s services and expand outreach programs.
Honours and Recognition
Dr. Pfau’s selfless dedication did not go unnoticed. She received numerous national and international awards for her humanitarian service:
- 
Hilal-e-Pakistan 
- 
Hilal-i-Imtiaz 
- 
Nishan-i-Quaid-i-Azam 
- 
Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam 
- 
Staufer Medal from the German state of Baden-Württemberg 
She became affectionately known as "Pakistan’s Mother Teresa"—a title reflecting her humility, compassion, and unwavering service to the poor and the marginalized.
Legacy and Passing
Dr. Ruth Pfau passed away on August 10, 2017, in Karachi, Pakistan, at the age of 87. Her funeral was accorded full state honors, a rare distinction for a foreign-born woman in Pakistan. She was laid to rest in Karachi, the city that had become her home and mission field.
Her legacy lives on through the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre and the thousands of lives she touched. She remains a symbol of compassion, dedication, and hope—not only in Pakistan but across the world.
Testimonial
Dr. Ruth Pfau’s life is a testament to the power of selflessness and service. By choosing to stay in a foreign land and dedicating her life to those in need, she changed the course of public health in Pakistan and became a beacon of humanity. Her legacy continues to inspire generations to serve with integrity, humility and love.
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