Ruth Pfau

Dr. Ruth Pfau (9 September 1929 – 10 August 2017) was a German-born physician, humanitarian, and Catholic nun who dedicated her life to eradicating leprosy and improving healthcare in Pakistan. Often referred to as the “Mother Teresa of Pakistan”, she spent more than five decades treating patients affected by leprosy and establishing one of the most successful leprosy control programmes in the world. Her tireless service earned her national and international recognition as a symbol of compassion, selflessness, and medical excellence.

Early Life and Education

Ruth Katharina Martha Pfau was born in Leipzig, Germany, in 1929. Her early life was shaped by the hardships of World War II, during which her family lost their home and experienced displacement. Despite these challenges, Pfau pursued higher education with determination and resilience.
She initially studied medicine at the University of Mainz and later completed her medical degree at the University of Marburg. During her student years, she was drawn to faith and spirituality, leading her to join the Daughters of the Heart of Mary, a Catholic religious order dedicated to social service and humanitarian work.

Journey to Pakistan

In 1960, Dr. Pfau travelled to India intending to work at a medical mission, but due to visa complications, she stopped over in Karachi, Pakistan. During her visit to a leprosy colony in the city, she witnessed the dire conditions of patients suffering from the disease — many ostracised and living in extreme poverty.
That encounter profoundly changed her life. Deeply moved by their suffering, she decided to stay in Pakistan and devote her life to treating and rehabilitating leprosy patients.

Founding the Leprosy Control Programme

In 1962, Dr. Pfau joined the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC) in Karachi, which later became the national hub for leprosy treatment and research. Under her leadership, the centre grew from a small dispensary into a network of more than 150 medical centres across Pakistan.
Her work expanded beyond leprosy to include:

• Tuberculosis and blindness prevention programmes.
• Rehabilitation and vocational training for people cured of leprosy.
• Public health education to reduce stigma and increase awareness.

Through sustained collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, World Health Organization (WHO), and international NGOs, she helped develop a comprehensive National Leprosy Control Programme. By the 1990s, Pakistan became one of the first countries in Asia to control leprosy as a public health problem, a monumental achievement largely attributed to her efforts.

Humanitarian Philosophy and Approach

Dr. Pfau’s work was grounded in deep empathy and unwavering commitment to human dignity. She refused to view leprosy patients merely as medical cases, instead treating them as individuals deserving of love and respect.
Her approach combined medical expertise, community engagement, and faith-based compassion. She personally visited remote areas — deserts, mountains, and tribal regions — ensuring that even the most marginalised people received care.
Her life exemplified the values of service beyond boundaries, as she worked in Pakistan not as a foreigner but as a citizen dedicated to its people.

Recognition and Awards

Ruth Pfau’s extraordinary humanitarian service earned her numerous national and international honours, including:

• Hilal-e-Pakistan (Crescent of Pakistan) – one of Pakistan’s highest civilian awards.
• Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Crescent of Excellence) – for her distinguished service to healthcare.
• Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam – in recognition of her public service.
• Dame Commander of the Order of Merit – from Germany.
• Marianne von Weizsäcker Medal for Social Commitment – for her outstanding charitable work.

She also received honorary Pakistani citizenship in acknowledgment of her lifelong service to the nation.

Legacy and Death

Dr. Ruth Pfau passed away on 10 August 2017, at the age of 87, in Karachi, Pakistan, after a long illness. Her death was mourned nationally and internationally. The Government of Pakistan accorded her a state funeral, an honour rarely given to foreigners, reflecting the nation’s deep respect for her contributions.
Her legacy continues through the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre, which remains a leading institution for leprosy treatment and public health initiatives. The centre continues her mission to eliminate stigma, improve healthcare access, and promote rehabilitation for patients.