Remembering Dr. Paul Farmer: Tribute from our Executive Director
Our Executive Director, Solomon Makuza (right), with Dr. Paul Farmer
In 2011, I made a career move in a quest to learn and grow further, but little did I know that this would transform my career trajectory far beyond what I could have imagined. I had been working on a child protection program in refugee camps and found that joining Partners in Health was a natural fit; I shared the organization’s values in pursuit of the same “North Star.” I went on to become a Program Manager for the Program for Social-Economic Rights (POSER) in Burera District, Butaro Area. This program was rightly designed based on the belief that social and economic rights are necessary preconditions for the full realization of the right to health which Dr.Paul vehemently advocated for.
It was such an impactful, meaningful and transformative program – I worked alongside thousands of families from all over Rwanda and the region and facilitated access to health care, safe housing, and education. These services truly minimized the disease burden on families and made way for better life opportunities.
In 2013, Jeanne d’ Arc, a sweet and brilliant 7-year-old, fell sick and was admitted to Butaro Hospital. Her medical condition got Dr. Paul’s attention and it was through Jeanne d’ Arc’s case that I got to know, experience, and connect with Dr. Paul’s compassion, love, and care for his patients. I was tasked with renovating Jeanne d’Arc’s home to accommodate her special care needs, searching for a school that would facilitate her continuing education, and ensuring her clinical follow-up appointments. Dr. Paul worked with Dr. Joel Mubiligi (Partners in Health’s Rwanda Executive Director) and another doctor, Dr. Abdoul, to treat Jeanne d’ Arc. It was remarkable to see how he would always ask for a detailed update on his patient’s life, favorite activities, and family welfare, whether he was in Rwanda or traveling.
When I joined Gardens for Health International (GHI) in 2014, I did not know that Dr. Paul had played a pivotal role in the founding of the organization and was an advisory board member for years.
A brief video of Dr. Paul Farmer passionately talking about the foundation of the strong partnership between Gardens For Health and Partners For Health.
As Dr. Emily Morell, one of GHI’s co-founders wrote in an email this week, “Paul was instrumental in our early formation as an organization - our work with Partners in Health during our time at the Clinton Foundation provided inspiration and impetus for the creation of Gardens for Health. Paul was a key early mentor. He provided support for us and believed in us even when others discourage us from moving forward.’’
Learning about Dr. Paul’s role in supporting GHI’s founding was yet another testament of how Dr. Paul was such a force of nature, and how his influence stretched far and wide.
Since then, GHI has maintained an active partnership with Partners in Health through learning and exchange, notably in the food and nutrition security programs. A number of our staff members graduated from the University of Global Health Equity (a Partners in Health initiative), and several students from the university have worked with GHI as part of their practicum projects.
While we are sad to lose such a gentle, brilliant, altruistic, and inspirational soul that touched so many lives, we are comforted by knowing that his legacy will live on through the people, connections, and partnerships that he made possible.
Please join me in sending thoughts, strength, prayers, and support to Dr. Paul’s family and the Partners in Health Family.
Sleep well Muganga Mwiza!
Solomon Makuza