“With rare exceptions, all of your most important achievements on this planet will come from working with others — or, in a word, accompaniment.”
Paul Farmer, from a commencement address at Boston College, 2005
Dr. Paul Farmer (1959–2022) was a globally respected physician, anthropologist, and humanitarian known for his pioneering work in social medicine—the study of how social and economic conditions impact health and the practice of medicine. He co-founded Partners In Health (PIH), an international nonprofit organization that delivers high-quality healthcare to the world’s poorest communities.
The Paul Farmer Collaborative (PFC), named in honor of Dr. Paul Farmer after his death in 2022, is an initiative rooted in his enduring vision for health equity, social justice, and community-based care. It seeks to continue and amplify Farmer’s life’s work by uniting organizations, governments, and health institutions to strengthen health systems in underserved regions—especially in places affected by poverty, conflict, or weak infrastructure.
Learn more about Paul Farmer:
Founding Visionary of Partners In Health (PIH)
Paul Farmer co-founded Partners In Health, a nonprofit organization that delivers high-quality healthcare to impoverished communities across the globe. Under his leadership, PIH expanded to countries including Haiti, Rwanda, Peru, Russia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mexico, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and the Navajo Nation.
Academic and Medical Leader
Farmer held prestigious roles at Harvard University, where he served as University Professor and Chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He was also Chief of the Division of Global Health Equity at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where he trained and mentored generations of medical professionals.
Global Health Advocate
Farmer’s influence extended to international institutions. He worked with the World Health Organization (WHO) on multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment programs and served the United Nations as Deputy Special Envoy to Haiti and Special Adviser on Community-Based Medicine.
Educator and Innovator
As Chancellor of the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda, Farmer helped shape a new model of medical education focused on equity and community-based care.
Champion of Human Rights
Farmer co-founded the Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti, advocating for legal and human rights in the country he served for decades. He also contributed to organizations such as: EqualHealth – advancing health equity through education and activism Kageno Worldwide, Inc. – supporting community development in Kenya and Rwanda PIVOT – improving healthcare systems in Madagascar GlobeMed – empowering students to lead global health initiatives Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM) – promoting access to essential medicines
Paul Farmer co-founded Partners In Health, a nonprofit organization that delivers high-quality healthcare to impoverished communities across the globe. Under his leadership, PIH expanded to countries including Haiti, Rwanda, Peru, Russia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mexico, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and the Navajo Nation.
Farmer held prestigious roles at Harvard University, where he served as University Professor and Chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He was also Chief of the Division of Global Health Equity at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where he trained and mentored generations of medical professionals.
Farmer’s influence extended to international institutions. He worked with the World Health Organization (WHO) on multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment programs and served the United Nations as Deputy Special Envoy to Haiti and Special Adviser on Community-Based Medicine.
As Chancellor of the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda, Farmer helped shape a new model of medical education focused on equity and community-based care.
Farmer co-founded the Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti, advocating for legal and human rights in the country he served for decades. He also contributed to organizations such as: EqualHealth – advancing health equity through education and activism Kageno Worldwide, Inc. – supporting community development in Kenya and Rwanda PIVOT – improving healthcare systems in Madagascar GlobeMed – empowering students to lead global health initiatives Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM) – promoting access to essential medicines
Paul Farmer Collaborative 