The 70-Year Journey of MALC in Pakistan 1956 – 2026 (moving forward)

MALC the backbone of Pakistan’s leprosy response

Founded in 1956, Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC) began as a small volunteer-led
initiative in the slums of Karachi, serving people affected by leprosy who were living in
conditions of extreme neglect, stigma, and exclusion.
A defining chapter in this journey began in 1960 with the arrival of Dr. Ruth Pfau, whose
lifelong commitment transformed MALC as the backbone of Pakistan’s leprosy response. In
close partnership with the Government of Pakistan, MALC led the National Leprosy Control
Programme, establishing a nationwide network of care, treatment, and rehabilitation.
This collective effort resulted in a historic achievement in 1996, when Pakistan became the first
country in EMRO Region to control leprosy, ahead of the World Health Organization’s target.
Over 60,000 patients have so far been treated and cured, restoring dignity, mobility, and hope
to countless individuals and families.
Building on this success, MALC strategically expanded its mandate to address other critical
health and social needs. Today, MALC delivers integrated services in leprosy elimination,
tuberculosis control, blindness prevention, mother and child health care, community-based
inclusive development, and rehabilitation for persons with disabilities, through a network of
157 centers across Pakistan.
In 2024, MALC reaffirmed its commitment to the future by launching the Zero Leprosy
Roadmap, aiming to achieve zero transmission, zero disability, and zero stigma by 2030 – in line
with recently launched strategy by the WHO.
Following the passing of Dr. Ruth Pfau in 2017, MALC continues its mission under the
leadership of CEO Mr. Mervyn Francis Lobo, who has preserved the founding values of
compassion, dignity, and service while guiding the organization toward innovation and
sustainability.
After 70 years, MALC stands as a testament to what is possible when healing is guided by
humanity, hope is sustained by partnership, and service is rooted in dignity for all. The
organization is well placed to strive for and achieve the distinction of making Pakistan “Leprosy
Free”.
Furthermore, the organization’s evolution over the years has resulted not only in supporting
the public health care structure for control and elimination of other diseases of poverty and neglect but also the rehabilitation of children with neurodevelopmental and physical
impairments.
It is our moral duty to acknowledge the support from partners and well-wishers which has
made this journey possible. We, especially like to acknowledge the long standing help from the
German Leprosy Relief Association (GLRA) and more recently the fundings from Government
of Sindh and its Department of Empowerment of People with Disabilities