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How did Dr Paul Farmer die? Infectious disease expert who battled epidemics globally dies at 62

'The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world,' Dr Paul Farmer had famously said

Leading US physician and researcher Dr. Paul Farmer, known for dedicating his life to fighting deadly epidemics, has died at the age of 62. Farmer was hailed as a global health crusader who provided millions of people across four continents with quality healthcare. His organization Partners in Health confirmed the news of his death on February 21, 2022, in Rwanda, Africa. Farmer is survived by his wife Didi Bertrand Farmer and three children  — Catherine, Elisabeth, and Charles Sebastien.

Farmer's death was mourned by hundreds across the world who poured in their tributes for the healthcare champion. “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 wife Didi and three children,” noted Partners In Health CEO Dr. Sheila Davis. 

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Born in West Adams in Massachusetts and brought up in Florida, Farmer met his wife Didi while working on the ground in Haiti. The couple settled in Miami, Florida, though Farmer traveled around the world to work on his noble mission. In fact, he often shuttled back and forth between continents to spend time with his family and teach at Harvard University. 

He is known for famously saying, "The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world."

According to a spokesperson at PIH, Dr. Paul Farmer reportedly died from "an acute cardiac event". He passed away in his sleep without any prior illness. 

As soon as the news of Paul Farmer's death emerged, the whos who of global healthcare shared their heartfelt thoughts about him. Former Canadian Governor General Michaelle Jean tweeted, "The passing of Paul Farmer is an immense loss! A great friend of the Haitian people and of all the most disenfranchised of the world. May his exemplary humanism with Partners in Health be followed."

"So many lives saved by Paul Farmer. So many people inspired by him. Such an incredible legacy," noted author Katherine Applegate. Meanwhile, filmmaker Ava DuVernay paid a heartfelt tribute to Farmer, noting, "Paul Farmer made a difference. His life saved many lives. Many Black lives. May he rest in wisdom and peace." 

Reuters reporter Anna Mehler Paperny tweeted, "We tend to think of morbidity and mortality caused/exacerbated by poverty to be a "somewhere else" problem but it exists in Canada, compounded by Indigeneity, location, immigration status. Paul Farmer has lessons for Canada, too."

WDAY writer Kevin Wallevand tweeted, "Huge loss for the world. Changed how we do medicine in the world. His work in Haiti was the work of a Saint. "Mountains Beyond Mountains".