Paul Farmer

Obama Presidential Center Honoree

Headshot of Paul Farmer

Space Name: Paul Farmer Special Exhibitions Gallery | Museum | Lower Level 

Paul Farmer was a global health leader and co-founder of Partners In Health. He dedicated his life to the belief that healthcare is a human right. Building health systems in underserved communities across the world, he proved that effective care is possible even with few resources. He linked medicine with social justice, arguing that disease is shaped by inequality. His vision of modern healthcare, rooted in dignity and equality, continues to guide legislation and medical practices.

With gratitude to The Family of Jessie Reid Taylor

“ It is a profound honor for the family of Jessie Reid Taylor to support a space that bridges the legacies of two visionary leaders. Dr. Paul Farmer’s life was a testament to the belief that healthcare is a fundamental human right and that even the most underserved communities deserve world-class medical care. In much the same way, President Obama’s historic efforts to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for millions of Americans reflect a shared conviction: that our collective well-being is the foundation of a just society. We hope this gallery inspires future generations to pursue change with the same compassion and unwavering commitment to human dignity.”

–Fred Taylor

Legacy on Campus

  • Obama Presidential Center Museum

    The Museum presents the remarkable story of President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, America’s first Black president and First Lady. 

    The Paul Farmer Special Exhibitions Gallery, located on the Lower Level of the Museum Building, honors the global health leader and Partners In Health co-founder who dedicated his life to the belief that healthcare is a human right.

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  • Working for the Common Good

    Revisit the Obama administration's hard-fought triumphs domestically and abroad, while learning about some ongoing challenges and unfinished work.

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Make a gift in honor of your heroes

Your honorary gift will help us inspire, empower, and connect leaders from around the world to take on the biggest challenges of our time.

The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 46-4950751).

John Lewis

Meet More Honorees

Through the honoree naming initiative at the Obama Presidential Center, we are partnering with our donors to celebrate a part of the history in which the Obama story is so deeply rooted by associating a named space with a hero, moment, or person "on whose shoulders we stand"—an honoree who made the Obamas’ story possible.

Meet More Honorees