Doctor of Science (DSc), honoris causa, awarded to Dr. Ruth Katherina Martha Pfau

Dr. Ruth Katherina Martha Pfau, through her exemplary motivational and spirited leadership, has made outstanding contributions in the field of leprosy, directed towards eradication of this menace and effective rehabilitation of the victims of this disease.

She was trained in medicine in Germany. On coming to Pakistan 45 years ago she dedicated herself to the reorganisation of a rough hewn dispensary into a properly run leprosy clinic. Within a couple of years, through her untiring efforts, she transformed the Marie-Adelaide Centre into a proper hospital facility and established a full service leprosy treatment and rehabilitation centre.

Dr. Pfau has been the moving spirit behind the National Leprosy Control Programme which the Government of Pakistan established in 1968. She has been instrumental in activating a chain of Leprosy Control Centres across the country, herself travelling to remote and rugged corners of Pakistan. In her far flung clinics, paramedics trained by the Marie-Adelaide Leprosy Centre identified leprosy victims and drew them into treatment.

Dr. Pfau has received numerous national and international awards including from Austria, USA and Germany for dedicated public service. She has received civil awards of Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Hilal-e-Imtiaz and Hilal-e-Pakistan from the Government of Pakistan.

The University recognises her dedicated services, inspiring leadership, and her contributions to sustainable leprosy control and rehabilitation initiatives in the country.

With deep appreciation of her contributions and commitment, the University awards the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (DSc) to Dr. Ruth Katherina Martha Pfau.