My friend Kathy Attawell, who has died suddenly aged 65, dedicated herself to improving public health in developing countries. Her contributions to the HIV response, and to improving maternal and child health, saved the lives of thousands.
I met Kathy on our first day at Exeter University in October 1978 – she was warm and funny, and her passion for social justice was infectious. Kathy’s strong principles led her to a career in health and international development. In the 1980s she focused on HIV and Aids, seeking to understand this new disease – its spread, prevention and treatment.
In a pre-internet age, there was an urgent need for clear, relevant and accurate information. As managing editor (1984-94) of the newsletter Aids Action at the Appropriate Health Resources and Technologies Action Group (AHRTAG, now known as Healthlink Worldwide), Kathy was at the forefront of synthesising the emerging scientific and complex technical data. She made information concise and readily useful to primary health workers, educators and communities.
In 1988 Kathy became a co-director of AHRTAG, and, working with agencies such as the World Health Organization, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and Aids, and partners in the global south, she made sure practical information reached thousands globally from its offices in London. Meanwhile, she was leading and mentoring colleagues, sharing her experience and knowledge, with kindness, reassurance and a dose of humour, instilling confidence and resilience.
In 1994 Kathy gained an MSc in health promotion at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, focusing on strategies to reduce the vulnerability of young women to HIV and Aids in sub-Saharan Africa. Over the next 30 years, working first with the British Council Overseas Development Administration in India, and then as an independent consultant, she collaborated with an extensive international network of agencies on designing and evaluating programmes to improve maternal and child health.
Curiosity and empathy were essential tools of her trade, and helped Kathy build trust in order to interview vulnerable individuals and navigate the political and organisational complexities of international aid. Stories of being held at gunpoint gave a glimpse of the courage needed to carry out fieldwork throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Raised in Bromley, Kent, Kathy was the eldest of the four children of Jean (nee Thompson) and Robert Attawell, a Lloyd’s insurance broker. Kathy became head girl of Ravensbourne school for girls before going to Exeter University.
She was an adored aunt and godmother; with a ready wit she built strong friendships, sharing book, music and arts recommendations. She regularly cracked the Guardian’s Friday cryptic crossword. Living latterly in Greenwich, south-east London, she volunteered with the Felix Project, a food redistribution charity, and taught English to refugees.
She is survived by her sisters, Helen and Liz, and brother, Richard.
