Health Reporter
Karachi: The Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC) hosted the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Karachi, Thomas Eberhard Schultze, for his first official visit to its Centre for Rehabilitation of Children with Physical and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, situated opposite the Mazar-e-Quaid.
The centre is supported by the Sindh Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD). Schultze was welcomed by DEPD Secretary Tuaha Farooqi, MALC Regional Director Farman Tanwari, members of the Board of Governors, and MALC leadership.
During the visit, the Consul General toured the rehabilitation facility, interacting with children receiving therapeutic and educational services. To mark Germany’s Children’s Day, gift bags were distributed among the children, adding celebration to the occasion.
MALC CEO Mervyn Francis Lobo highlighted Germany’s nearly seven-decade-long support for MALC and Pakistan, noting that the Leprosy Control Programme owes much of its foundation and success to German partnership. He also praised DEPD and the Sindh government for their consistent collaboration in advancing health, dignity, and inclusion.
The visit reaffirmed MALC’s ties with international partners and the provincial government in promoting specialised care and inclusive development for children with disabilities in Pakistan.