Kathy Attawell obituary

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 o