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. 2025 Feb;33(1):13-15.
doi: 10.1177/09677720231223501. Epub 2024 Feb 28.

Lest we forget: Dr Paul Farmer (1959-2022) 'A Global Health Leader at Harvard'

Subham Roy  1 , Sakshi Roy  2
Affiliations

Lest we forget: Dr Paul Farmer (1959-2022) 'A Global Health Leader at Harvard'

Subham Roy et al. J Med Biogr. 2025 Feb.

Abstract

In the chronicles of medical advancement, Dr Paul Farmer stands out as a transformative figure whose unwavering commitment to healthcare equity has reshaped treatments for the disenfranchised. An American anthropologist and physician, Farmer has had a profound impact on global health which encapsulates a legacy driven by the steadfast belief that healthcare is an inalienable human right. This article explores Farmer's monumental contributions, showcasing how his dedication has revolutionized the landscape of healthcare, particularly for those marginalized and underserved. As the architect of Partners In Health and a guiding force at Harvard Medical School, he fostered a novel paradigm of enduring, community-focused medical care. His unyielding advocacy from Haiti to Rwanda confronted entrenched health disparities and galvanized support for increased access to primary and secondary care. His poignant critiques and policy recommendations during the COVID-19 crisis highlighted his relentless pursuit of health justice - advocating for equitable vaccine distribution and tackling racial health disparities. His scholarly works on overlooked health dilemmas and the urgency of global healthcare reflect a legacy that transcends his lifetime. While his passing is deeply felt, Farmer's visionary ethos continues to inspire, beckoning us toward a more equitable healthcare horizon.

Keywords: COVID-19; Ebola; Global health; human immunodeficiency virus; public health; tuberculosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Dr Paul Farmer’s obituary headshot in The Lancet (2022), Koidu Government Hospital in Kono District, Sierra Leone.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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