The consul general of the Federal Republic of Germany in Karachi, Dr. Rüdiger Lotz, and Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC) CEO Mervyn Lobo set out from Karachi towards the outskirts of Tando Jan Mohammad.
This was not just a journey; it was a mission to bring solace to those whose lives were shattered by the devastating floods of 2022.
Two years ago, during the devastating floods in Sindh, German Consul General Dr. Rüdiger Lotz visited MALC’s healthcare center in Tando Jan Mohammad. Dr. Lotz praised MALC’s efforts, saying, “People here were already in a difficult situation, even before the flooding. They need medical care and support, which MALC is providing. As German Consul General in Karachi, I deeply appreciate MALC’s work. It is crucial for the stability of the health situation in this area. We congratulate MALC on their outstanding work.”
Dr Lotz highlighted the longstanding partnership between the German Consulate and MALC, which began more than six decades ago with Dr. Ruth Pfau’s pioneering work. “We have been supporting MALC for over 60 years and will continue to do so, as it is a vital tradition that has closely linked many Pakistani people with Germany and German citizens who have generously donated to this cause.”
Lobo, MALC’s CEO, reflected on the visit, saying, “It brings back memories of the legendary Dr. Ruth Pfau. Despite the rain, we didn’t cancel the programme, just like Dr. Pfau never did. This is the German spirit that continues to drive our programme. The day was exciting and challenging, but we remain committed to serving the people in the spirit of Dr. Pfau. We work in areas where others don’t go, providing services to marginalized communities.”
Arriving at the MALC Tando Jan Muhammad centre, the team was warmly welcomed by the centre staff, who honoured them with a traditional ajrak and a topi. The day began with a tour and a briefing on the centre’s vital healthcare services, which continue to provide care to marginalized communities from the surrounding areas. This was followed by a wheelchair distribution ceremony.
The journey continued, taking the team 25 kilometres further to Haji Khan Village, Taluka Jhudo, District Mirpurkhas. Here, forty adults and their children awaited a momentous day— the day their new homes, a beacon of hope, would be handed over. A total of 31 one-room houses, built with resilience and care, were ready to provide shelter and security, a symbol of life returning to normal.
The MALC team and Consul General Dr. Lotz spent heartfelt moments with the villagers, and actively participated with them in planting new trees in the area. The villagers expressed their deepest gratitude for the roofs over their heads, strong enough to withstand future monsoons, and for the chance to rebuild their lives.
This day was filled with smiles that had long been washed away by the floods of 2022. Joy and gratitude filled the air, as the community embraced the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
