Stella Abidh facts for kids

Stella Piari Abidh (1903–1989) was a very important doctor from Trinidad and Tobago. She worked to keep people healthy in her community. She was the Medical Officer of Health for San Fernando. She also looked after the health of students in schools across south Trinidad. Many believe she was the first woman of Indian descent in Trinidad to become a doctor.

Early Life and School

Stella Abidh was born in 1903. Her father was Clarence Carmichael Abidh. He was a headmaster at a school in Charlieville. He was also part of the Legislative Council. Stella's mother passed away when Stella was young.

Stella went to Naparima Girls' High School in San Fernando. She was the first student there to finish the Junior Cambridge Certificate. Later, she studied at Saint Joseph's Convent in Port of Spain. After school, her grandmother wanted her to have an arranged marriage. Stella did not agree to this. Instead, she became a schoolteacher.

Becoming a Doctor

Stella was inspired by Rosalie Sanowar. Rosalie was the first woman of Indian descent in Trinidad to become a nurse. Stella decided she wanted to study nursing too.

When Stella told her father, he suggested she become a doctor instead. He asked the head of the Presbyterian Church for help. He wanted to send Stella to Canada to study medicine. At first, the church leader was unsure. He said he would not send a daughter to study medicine. He thought Indian girls might not handle the pressure.

But Stella's father believed in her. He made her promise to be strong and dedicated. Then, he sent her to Canada. Stella studied medicine at the University of Toronto. She earned her medical degree in 1930. She also received the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada.

Stella Abidh's Career

Stella Abidh is known as the first woman of Indian descent in Trinidad to become a doctor. She worked as the Medical Officer of Health for San Fernando. This meant she was in charge of public health for the town. She also supervised health in schools across south Trinidad.

Stella noticed that many people were getting sick from diseases that could be prevented. So, she decided to specialize in public health. She worked hard to stop diseases from spreading.

Fighting Diseases

Stella was very active in fighting hookworm infection. This was a common and serious illness at the time. She played a big part in efforts to get rid of it.

She also helped control outbreaks of yellow fever. This is a dangerous disease carried by mosquitoes. Stella played a leading role in stopping yellow fever outbreaks in Trinidad and Tobago in 1954 and 1979. Her work saved many lives.

Her Impact and Legacy

Stella Abidh was a truly important figure in Trinidad and Tobago. British academics Colin and Gillian Clarke wrote about her. They called her one of the most important Indian women professionals of her time.

Corinne Averille McKnight was a former ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago. She listed Stella Abidh among a small group of "pioneer women." These were women who led the way in their fields. McKnight praised Stella as a "medical doctor, great humanitarian, and social worker." This shows how much she cared for people.

Personal Life

Stella Abidh had children. They were raised in Canada.

Awards and Honours

Stella Abidh received several important awards for her work.

• In 1971, she was given the Public Service Medal of Merit (Gold).
• In 1988, she received the Chaconia Medal (Gold). This is a very high honour in Trinidad and Tobago.
• In 1980, she was featured on a postage stamp issued by Trinidad and Tobago. This showed how much her country valued her contributions.