In Memory of Dr. Paul Farmer

On Monday, February 21, Partners In Health announced that its founder, Dr. Paul Farmer, unexpectedly passed away in Rwanda from an acute cardiac event while he was sleeping.

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

Partners In Health CEO Dr. Sheila Davis released the following statement:

Dr. Paul Farmer speaks at IUPUI in 2016.

“Paul Farmer’s loss is devastating, but his vision for the world will live on through Partners in Health. Paul taught all those around him the power of accompaniment, love for one another, and solidarity. Our deepest sympathies are with his family.”

Dr. Paul Farmer was a legend in global health and a powerful voice for the poor and health equity. He inspired a generation of physicians and students to follow his lead. We send our condolences to his family and his colleagues at Partners In Health and around the world.

We are honored that Dr. Farmer wrote the forward to “Walking Together, Walking Far,” Fran Quigley’s book about the first 20 years of the AMPATH partnership. “This is a book that should be read by every student of public health,” wrote Dr. Farmer. “The reason this book is such an important contribution is that it is about a group of people who questioned received wisdom about what is possible in treating the destitute sick.”

Dr. Farmer is also remembered fondly by the team at Indiana University for graciously signing books for hours after presenting a lecture in 2016 co-sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company.

Photo via Partners in Health