By Shaheen Hashim
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah paid tribute to decades of humanitarian work as he addressed a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC) at a local hotel on Sunday.
The event, held in conjunction with the 73rd World Leprosy Day, celebrated not only the longevity of the institution but also its enduring commitment to healing, hope, and dignity for some of the most marginalized communities in Pakistan. Speaking to a gathering of healthcare professionals, social workers, and dignitaries, Shah described the center’s journey as “truly commendable,” highlighting its role in transforming the lives of countless patients over the past seven decades.
Chief Minister Sindh paid special tribute to Dr. Ruth Pfau, the German-born physician who dedicated more than fifty years of her life to fighting leprosy in Pakistan. “Dr. Pfau was a beacon of compassion,” he said. “She left the comforts of her homeland to stand beside the most vulnerable, serving them with courage, dignity, and unwavering commitment.”
The ceremony included reflections on the center’s pioneering efforts in leprosy detection, treatment, and rehabilitation, as well as its broader contribution to raising public awareness about the disease. Attendees were reminded that beyond its medical achievements, MALC has served as a sanctuary for those who have long faced social stigma and isolation, offering them not just healthcare but hope and acceptance.
Shah concluded by acknowledging the staff, volunteers, and supporters who have sustained the center’s mission through decades of challenges. “This platinum jubilee is more than a celebration of years,” he said, “it is a celebration of humanity, resilience, and the enduring power of compassion.”
#MuradAliShah #MALC70Years #MarieAdelaideLeprosyCentre #WorldLeprosyDay #HumanitarianWork #PublicHealth #HealthcareInPakistan #DrRuthPfau #CompassionInAction #LeprosyAwareness #SocialWelfare #SindhGovernment #KarachiNews #HealthAndHumanity #MarginalisedCommunities #Volunteers #MedicalServices #PakistanNews
