You cant have public health without a public health system. We just dont want to be part of a mindless competition for resources. We want to build back capacity in the system. – Paul Farmer
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
If you look just at the decades after 1934, you know its hard to point to really inspired and positive support from outside of Haiti, to Haiti, and much easier to point to either small-minded or downright mean-spirited policies. – 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