Wanda Błeńska

Wanda Maria Blenska

Wanda Błeńska (30 October 1911 – 27 November 2014) was a renowned Polish physician, missionary, and humanitarian known for her extensive work in Uganda, where she spent over 40 years fighting leprosy. She is often referred to as the "Mother of Lepers" and is celebrated for her contributions to medical care and leprosy control in Africa.

Early Life and Education

Wanda Błeńska was born in Poznań, Poland, into a family with a strong emphasis on education and social service. She pursued her medical studies at the Poznań University of Medical Sciences, where she graduated with a degree in medicine. Inspired by her Christian faith and a deep sense of duty towards the less fortunate, Błeńska decided to dedicate her life to serving those in need.

Career and Missionary Work

After completing her medical education, Błeńska worked in various hospitals in Poland. Her life took a significant turn after World War II, when she decided to join the Catholic missionary efforts in Uganda. In 1951, she arrived in Lubaga, Uganda, and soon after, she was assigned to the Leprosy Control Centre in Buluba, a small town near Lake Victoria.

At Buluba, Błeńska transformed the leprosy center into a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation facility. She introduced modern methods of leprosy treatment, including the use of Dapsone, a medication that was revolutionary at the time. Błeńska's approach went beyond medical treatment; she emphasized the rehabilitation of leprosy patients through education and vocational training, helping them reintegrate into society.

Legacy

Wanda Błeńska's work had a profound impact on leprosy control in Uganda and across Africa. She trained numerous healthcare workers in leprosy care, significantly reducing the prevalence of the disease in the region. Her efforts were recognized internationally, and she received several awards for her humanitarian work.

Błeńska returned to Poland in the 1990s but continued to support the Buluba hospital and leprosy care in Uganda. She passed away in 2014 at the age of 103, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and service to humanity.

Recognition

Throughout her life, Wanda Błeńska received numerous accolades for her work, including prestigious awards from both the Polish government and international organizations. Her dedication to the fight against leprosy and her humanitarian efforts have been celebrated in Poland and abroad.

See Also

• Leprosy
• Missionary
• Humanitarianism
• Healthcare in Uganda