Kathy Attawell, who has died suddenly aged 65, dedicated her life to improving public health in developing countries. Her contributions to the HIV response and to improving maternal and child health saved thousands of lives.
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 from 1984 to 1994 of the newsletter Aids Action at the Appropriate Health Resources and Technologies Action Group (AHRTAG, now Healthlink Worldwide), Kathy was at the forefront of synthesising 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. 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 ensured practical information reached thousands globally from its London offices. Meanwhile, she led and mentored colleagues, sharing her experience and knowledge with kindness, reassurance, and a dose of humour, instilling confidence and resilience.
In 1994, Kathy earned 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 to design and evaluate programmes improving maternal and child health.
Curiosity and empathy were essential tools of her trade, helping Kathy build trust 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 for fieldwork throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Raised in Bromley, Kent, Kathy was the eldest of four children of Jean (née Thompson) and Robert Attawell, a Lloyd's insurance broker. She became head girl of Ravensbourne School for Girls before attending Exeter University.
She was an adored aunt and godmother, with a ready wit building strong friendships and 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.
