Ventures in world health

Fred Soper can best be described as a secular medical missionary. Appalled by sickness and disease, he was determined to do all in his power to eliminate its cause. In many respects he epitomizes the best of those American qualities of practicality, forthrightness, moral certainty, and an impelling urge to reform. Convinced of the righteousness of his cause, he brooked no interference. While he knew when to beat a stategic retreat, he unhestatingly fought with his superiors in the Foundation, in the military, and with presidents, diplomats, and ranking government officials in the many countries in which he worked. At the same time, he had an unusual sensitivity to his milieu and to the people with whom he was associated. He respected local customs and traditions, and he made warm friends everywhere he worked. His forthright manner occasionally jarred officials, but they all recognized his fundamental honesty and humanity. - Editor's note.