From the very beginning, he advocated for international medical research and saw himself as a committed mediator between European medicine and health realities in the Global South. His pioneering work not only highly respected within the medical selection process for KAAD scholarships but also contributed significantly to numerous KAAD educational events in Germany and abroad. As Professor for Tropical Medicine and long-serving Chief Physician at the Missionsärztliche Klinik in Würzburg (1972, 2004), Klaus Fleischer played a leading role in shaping international medical cooperation. His medical work was guided by the principle that “health is a human right” , an understanding that becomes evident in his work with KAAD. When assessing applications, he consistently demonstrated a keen sense for professional excellence as well as an awareness of social circumstances, cultural contexts, and the potential for responsible impact in the applicants’ home societies. He never regarded tropical medicine as a purely academic discipline, but as an ethical and political field of engagement in the spirit of global solidarity. He brought this conviction into KAAD’s selection processes, frequently highlighting structural disadvantages in access to education and healthcare , especially for applicants from African countries. Klaus Fleischer had a special and strong connection to Ghana , not only through personal contacts, but also through his commitment to higher education in the country. Strengthening this institution academically was one of Klaus Fleischer’s core concerns.
In recognition of his many years of service on the Academic Council and his lasting contributions to international education, Klaus Fleischer was awarded the Bene Merenti Medal by KAAD. Even after retiring, he remained closely connected to the organisation. His dedication that evening underscored how deeply KAAD’s mission continued to resonate with him, even after his formal service on the Academic Council had ended. We will remember him with deep gratitude.
Professor Klaus Fleischer, Photo: Kai Fraass (medmissio)
Professor Klaus Fleischer with Cardinal Peter Turkson during the KAAD Annual Academy 2018
