Ruth Katherina Martha Pfau (9 September 1929 – 10 August 2017) was a German born medical doctor and Roman Catholic religious sister who became closely associated with Pakistan. She combined clinical work, public health organization and charity to combat leprosy, founding the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre and leading community-based programs for almost half a century.
Early life and vocation
Born in Leipzig, Pfau trained in medicine before entering religious life as a member of the Society of Daughters of the Heart of Mary. Her dual identity as a medical professional and a nun framed a practical, long-term commitment to treating neglected patients while building local capacity.
Work against leprosy
Pfau settled in Pakistan and concentrated on clinical care, prevention and rehabilitation for people affected by leprosy. She established outpatient clinics, a referral hospital and outreach teams that provided free diagnosis, multi-drug therapy and social support. Her model combined hands-on treatment with training for local health workers and efforts to reduce stigma so patients could rejoin their communities.
Organization and impact
Beyond direct care, Pfau helped create networks and programs that integrated leprosy control into the broader public health system. The institutions she founded and the cadres she trained contributed to sharp declines in prevalence and greater public awareness. Local charities and governmental initiatives often worked alongside the centres she established.
Recognition and legacy
Pfau received multiple honours for her humanitarian work, including awards from both Pakistani and international bodies. In 2015 she was presented with the Staufer Medal from the German state of Baden-Württemberg. Widely respected in Pakistan—sometimes called "Pakistan's Mother Teresa"—she remained active into her late years and continued to advise leprosy programs.
She died in a hospital in Karachi on 10 August 2017 from complications related to heart disease. Her life is remembered for combining clinical skill, institutional building and persistent advocacy for marginalized patients. Her work illustrates how sustained medical and social efforts can change the course of a neglected disease.
Key roles: