Remembering Dr. Paul Farmer

Dear Seed Community,

I am writing to share the sad news of the unexpected passing this morning of Dr. Paul Farmer, a founding and current board member of Seed Global Health, Kolokotrones University Professor, Chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Chief of the Division of Global Health Equity at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and co-founder and chief strategist of Partners In Health. He was a husband, a father, a brother, a son, and a friend and mentor to so many. 

Paul was an extraordinary force for what was right in this world and a voice of truth, hope, and inspiration. The world is forever better for his fight for justice and equity, his commitment to those in need, his compassion, his evidence-based persuasion, and his deep belief that anything is possible if we determine it can be so. He was an incredible friend and mentor. He challenged us all to do better and we thank him for being able to walk part of the journey with him. It will be our duty to carry on this shared mission and legacy in his honor. 

I personally will miss him terribly and will feel his loss daily. Paul was one of my most impactful mentors, a close friend and a much needed support through many difficult times. It is hard to believe we now face such a time without him. 

My thoughts and support go to his family, friends, community, and to the world which he so widely impacted.

With love, solidarity, and celebration of an extraordinary life,

Dr. Vanessa Kerry
CEO, Seed Global Health

Photo Credit: John Ra / Partners In Health