Cicely Williams

Cicely Delphine Williams (2 December 1893 – 13 July 1992) was a pioneering Jamaican physician and pediatrician who is best known for her work in the field of malnutrition and for identifying and describing the disease kwashiorkor. Her contributions to public health and child welfare have had a lasting impact on the medical community and the lives of countless children worldwide.

Early Life and Education

Cicely Williams was born in Kew Park, Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica. She was the daughter of a plantation owner and grew up in a privileged environment. Williams attended Cheltenham Ladies' College in England and later studied medicine at Somerville College, Oxford, where she graduated in 1923.

Medical Career

After completing her medical degree, Williams joined the Colonial Medical Service and was posted to the Gold Coast (now Ghana). It was here that she first encountered cases of severe malnutrition among children, which led her to identify and describe kwashiorkor, a form of severe protein-energy malnutrition.

Kwashiorkor

In 1933, Williams published her findings on kwashiorkor, highlighting the disease's symptoms, which include edema, anemia, and dermatosis. Her work brought international attention to the condition and emphasized the importance of adequate protein intake in children's diets.

Later Work

Williams continued her work in various countries, including Malaya (now Malaysia), where she focused on maternal and child health. She was instrumental in establishing health programs and clinics that addressed malnutrition and other health issues affecting women and children.

Legacy

Cicely Williams' contributions to pediatrics and public health have had a profound impact on the field. Her work on kwashiorkor has saved countless lives and has led to a better understanding of the importance of nutrition in child development. Williams received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and the Lasker Award.

See Also

• Kwashiorkor
• Malnutrition
• Pediatrics
• Public health
• Colonial Medical Service