Honoring the Lifesaving Legacy of Dr. Paul Farmer

Dr. Paul Farmer left behind a generational legacy, a depth of impact felt far beyond the fields of public health and global development. He founded Partners in Health, the pioneering organization that works with local governments to deliver healthcare to the world’s poorest places. PIH received a Skoll Award in 2008—Paul’s acceptance speech is excerpted in this video. Paul’s moral leadership has had immeasurable influence on the Skoll Foundation and the work of so many of our Awardees, grantees, and partners.

Partners In Health announced that its founder, Dr. Paul Farmer, unexpectedly passed away today in his sleep while in Rwanda.

Dr. Farmer was 62 years old. He is survived by his wife, Didi Bertrand Farmer, and their three children.

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— Partners In Health (@PIH) February 21, 2022

I’m devastated by the loss of my mentor, friend and partner in health, Paul Farmer. I mourn with his family, colleagues at Harvard, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Partners In Health and many friends across the world who, like me, were inspired by the power of his example.🧵 pic.twitter.com/KBuLoYaKow

— Raj Panjabi, MD, MPH (@rajpanjabi) February 21, 2022

Devastating news. Paul Farmer gave everything—everything—to others. He saw the worst, and yet did all he could to bring out the best in everyone he encountered. Indefatigable, mischievous, generous, brilliant, soulful, skeptical, idealistic, beloved. A giant. https://t.co/x4Ug2KGGq7

— Samantha Power (@SamanthaJPower) February 21, 2022

EJI joins millions around the world who are grieving the death of Dr. Paul Farmer, who died this morning in Rwanda. We count ourselves among the many who have been touched by his healing hands and his incomparable spirit. https://t.co/fvBMunxGNE

— Equal Justice Initiative (@eji_org) February 21, 2022

The passing of Paul Farmer—a person so full of life, infectious optimism and vibrant joy—is devastating for those of us who knew and loved him. A world with hope is difficult to imagine without Paul.

— Darren Walker (@darrenwalker) February 21, 2022

I spent last week w/ Paul in rural Rwanda in morning report, rounding on patients.This past week an AIDS patient passed away and Paul was incredibly devastated. I remember thinking this is why he is Paul Farmer, after 40 years losing a patient was like losing the whole world. https://t.co/MTgJ2h7PL7

— Sriram Shamasunder (@srijeeva) February 21, 2022

Dr. Farmer touched the lives of so many, and we are proud to count ourselves among them.

Never bound by what is but tireless in his pursuit of what could be for health equity, Paul’s visionary life redefined what is possible in global health. pic.twitter.com/9Ak8n78EaC

— Build Health International (@BuildHealthIntl) February 22, 2022

Paul Farmer was a hero to all of us who try to dedicate our skills to the service of others. From the early days of the Haiti earthquake, Paul provided many lessons that helped me make @WCKitchen who we are today. His brilliance was only matched by his empathy. I miss him already https://t.co/HahrJrJKLd

— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) February 21, 2022

Paul inspired legions of social innovators and entrepreneurs to commit to the work of social justice. His death last month was a gigantic loss to so many and the celebrations of his life of service will surely continue. We are in debt to you, Paul.