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Obituary: Professor Stefaan Pattyn
Posted on 14 April 2008 by
The world lost a tireless scientist and a dedicated epidemiologist when Professor Stefaan Pattyn, of the University of Antwerp and Institute of Tropical Medicine, passed away on 15th March this year. His family and close friends held a memorial service to honour his life on 22nd March in Antwerp.
Professor Pattyn dreamt of a world without leprosy. He was one of the principle players who helped developed the current treatment for leprosy – multi-drug therapy, known as MDT. Since its introduction in the early 1980’s this combination drug has helped cure a considerable number of persons of leprosy. He helped prompt the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development to donate MDT free of charge to all persons affected by leprosy. At the recent 17th International Leprosy Congress in Hyderabad the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development pledged to continue to supply MDT as long as there are persons who need to be cured of leprosy.
His interests were not restricted to leprosy. He was passionate about all health issues. He was one of the first scientists to investigate HIV and Ebola epidemics in Central Africa.
Born in Rumbeke: 9th September 1927
Died in Edegem: 15th March 2008
Categories: News and Notes