The biggest public health challenge is rebuilding health systems. In other words, if you look at cholera or maternal mortality or tuberculosis in Haiti, theyre major problems in Haiti, but the biggest problem is rebuilding systems. – Paul Farmer
Civil and political rights are critical, but not often the real problem for the destitute sick. My patients in Haiti can now vote but they cant get medical care or clean water. – Paul Farmer
But if youre asking my opinion, I would argue that a social justice approach should be central to medicine and utilized to be central to public health. This could be very simple: the well should take care of the sick. – Paul Farmer
Weve taken on the major health problems of the poorest – tuberculosis, maternal mortality, AIDS, malaria – in four countries. Weve scored some victories in the sense that weve cured or treated thousands and changed the discourse about what is possible. – Paul Farmer