Op-Ed’s & Press Releases
World Relief Mourns Tragic Death of at Least 50 Migrants in Texas, Calls for Congressional Action This Year
June 28, 2022
CONTACT:
Audrey Garden
audrey.garden@pinkston.co
571-405-1606
BALTIMORE  – Today, World Relief mourns the loss of at least 50 migrants who passed away in the back of a tractor-trailer in Texas. Reports state that over 16 others, including children, were injured and hospitalized. In the wake of such a great tragedy, World Relief continues to urge Congress to take action to prevent more deaths by improving border processes and fixing our broken immigration system this year.
“These horrifying migrant deaths are part of a broader and systemic problem. The immigration policies that were put in place with the intention of making border crossings more difficult have not reduced crossing numbers. Instead, they have resulted in even more harm to migrants,” said Myal Greene, president and CEO of World Relief. “These policies cause vulnerable people with legitimate claims for protection to resort to extreme and dangerous options in search of safety in the United States. Our government must act this year to reform our immigration laws and create more humane processes at the border to prevent future deaths.”
This year is expected to set another record for migrant deaths near the border, and as Texas enters a heat wave, time is running out for more orderly border processes to be implemented. World Relief calls on the Biden administration and Congress to expand opportunities for lawful migration and capacities at large points of entry to allow more migrants to apply for protection.
“Our nation’s immigration system has been broken for far too long,” said Matthew Soerens, U.S. director of church mobilization for World Relief. “As Christians, we affirm the inherent dignity in every human life. The fact that so many migrants risked their lives and suffered so deeply in an attempt to reach safety on American soil is further proof that the well-being of immigrants is not being prioritized. The chaos at the border is leading to an extreme loss of life. World Relief urges our government to err on the side of human care and address these urgent humanitarian needs.”
Immigrants come to the U.S. border seeking protection and safety, whether they document fear of credible persecution or not. World Relief calls upon the faith community to welcome migrants who are arriving with unique vulnerabilities and fears, and to reject language that dehumanizes our neighbors. Together, we can carry out l Christ’s commandment to support and care for our most vulnerable brothers and sisters through both prayer and action.
To learn more about World Relief, visit worldrelief.org.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing and transformation to the most vulnerable.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
World Relief Sacramento Announces New Office Director, Mark Dandenaeu
June 21, 2022
CONTACT:
Audrey Garden
audrey.garden@pinkston.co
571-405-1606
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Today, Mark Dandeneau was announced as the new office director of World Relief Sacramento. Mark is an experienced senior executive for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, having served California’s most vulnerable populations for more than 20 years. Mark will continue the hard work of Kerry Ham, who was promoted to divisional director with World Relief, U.S. Programs.
“Early on in life, I made a commitment to a continuous lifestyle of learning, growing and developing, both personally and professionally, in service to the world’s most marginalized,” said Dandeneau. “I am eager for the new experiences, insights and opportunities that this position with World Relief Sacramento will provide.”
Before joining World Relief Sacramento, Mark worked with children in foster care and fought for healthcare equity throughout the state of California. A Los Angeles native, Mark received his bachelor’s degree in Social Work from California State University, Los Angeles. He soon went on to the University of Southern California, where he received his master’s degree in Social Work.
“I have found it extremely rewarding to provide a lifelong career of service,” said Dandeneau. “I am amazed at the incredible work being accomplished by World Relief Sacramento in defending and protecting the most vulnerable. Together, we will act as a community of welcome for our immigrant neighbors by helping them to flourish and find a sense of belonging as they rebuild their lives.”
Mark and his family have lived in the Sacramento area for over 20 years. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and two daughters.
World Relief Sacramento has been a welcoming community for immigrants and refugees since its opening in 1989. World Relief Sacramento is part of a national network of offices through which over 400,000 immigrants and refugees have been welcomed into this country.
To learn more about World Relief Sacramento, visit https://worldrelief.org/sacramento/.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing and transformation to the most vulnerable.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
World Refugee Day 2022 Marks Historic Displacement Levels, World Relief Calls For Increased Global Response Efforts
June 20, 2022
CONTACT:
Audrey Garden
audrey.garden@pinkston.co
571-405-1606
BALTIMORE  – On this World Refugee Day, the number of forcibly displaced people globally has surpassed 100 million for the first time in recorded history, according to UNHCR news. World Refugee Day is an annual international awareness day that recognizes and honors individuals who have fled from their home countries due to violence and oppression. As people continue to flee their homes amid war, violence and persecution, World Relief is actively responding to emergencies throughout the world as well as by resettling refugees in the United States.
“As war rages in Ukraine and the compounding factors of food scarcity, inflation and the climate crisis continue to impact and displace the world’s most vulnerable, the Biden administration and Congress must work together to promote refugee protection abroad while reimagining the bureaucratic systems and processes that plague the U.S. resettlement program today,” said Jenny Yang, World Relief vice president of advocacy and policy.
Despite efforts to revamp the U.S. refugee resettlement program that was decimated by policies of the previous administration and the aftershock of COVID, the global situation for refugees has only gotten worse: More people are being forced to flee their homes, and less than 19,000 individuals are forecasted to be resettled this fiscal year to the United States — far below the 125,000 ceiling set by the Biden administration.
World Relief is working to assist the displaced around the world, including with partners on the ground in Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Moldova and Slovakia to provide lodging, food, medical assistance and other basic necessities to those who have fled their country. While response efforts occur year-round, today World Relief recognizes the important work of volunteers, supporters and staff who are dedicated to help refugees find safety and assistance in their countries of refuge and those who are helping refugees rebuild their lives in the U.S. in safety.
“The Ukraine crisis hits very close to home for World Relief,” said Yang. “In the last 18 years, World Relief helped resettle over 13,000 refugees from Ukraine. With the U.S. aiming to resettle up to 100,000 Ukrainians fleeing the current conflict in Europe, World Relief is eager to offer whatever support we can to those seeking safety in the U.S. while ensuring that the program provides protection to those in Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world who have been waiting many years to come to the United States.”
Additionally, over the past year, World Relief has helped welcome and resettle approximately 3,600 Afghan women, men and children and approximately 2,500 refugees from other countries of origin, providing services designed to help them get acclimated and thrive in their new communities. Offices around the country have helped these families find housing, pursue employment, access immigration legal services, learn English, build friendships and create long-term support systems.
“Families in war-torn and disaster-stricken countries are fleeing for their lives and desperately seeking refuge,” said Myal Greene, president and CEO of World Relief. “Welcoming refugees is a critical component of our civic duty as a country established and cultivated by the contributions of people from all over the world. As Christians, it is also a biblical imperative to stand with these vulnerable neighbors.”
“In acknowledgment of the alarming numbers reported by the UNHCR, World Relief encourages the Biden administration and Congress to work for greater diplomatic solutions to protracted refugee crises abroad while also working to improve and streamline our nation’s resettlement process,” said Yang. “We are living through a historic refugee crisis, and it’s time to make a concerted effort to actually reach the ceiling set by the administration.”
World Relief encourages our partners and church community to work together as a community of compassion to serve refugees and forcibly displaced persons. World Relief also asks the global church to pray for all those affected by conflict and violence around the world.
To learn more about World Relief’s programs around the world, visit worldrelief.org.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing and transformation to the most vulnerable.
Learn more at worldrelief.org
World Relief Rebrands Western Washington Locations
May 2, 2022
CONTACT:
Audrey Garden
audrey.garden@pinkston.co
571-405-1606
KENT, Wash. — World Relief announced this week a rebrand for its office locations in Seattle and Bellingham to World Relief Western Washington (WRWW). With an expansion to Whatcom County last year and the expected addition of a Thurston County location this year, the refugee resettlement and immigrant services agency updated its name to reflect its regional impact.
“This expansion not only provides the opportunity for more communities to welcome new neighbors, but it also gives us the opportunity as World Relief Western Washington to build capacity through our long-standing expertise in resettlement and welcoming families and individuals,” said World Relief Western Washington Executive Director Medard Ngueita.
The new branding includes the launch of a new logo and website: worldrelief.org/western-wa. World Relief Western Washington is holding a virtual town hall on Thursday, May 5, at 7:00 p.m. PDT to share about the vision behind the new name and how services are expanding. Registration for the virtual town hall is accessible via: worldrelief.org/western-wa/events.
As the largest refugee resettlement and immigrant services organization in Western Washington, WRWW has served more than 40,000 refugees, immigrants, and asylees since 1979 and activates and empowers community partners to participate in building a welcoming community for newcomers. By 2023, WRWW plans to serve over 10,000 immigrants and refugees per year through a suite of comprehensive wraparound services.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
About World Relief Western Washington
Since 1979, World Relief Western Washington has worked alongside the community to welcome refugees by following a philosophy of co-empowerment, collaboration and contextualization. Founded in response to the needs of refugees fleeing wars in Southeast Asia, World Relief’s Seattle location grew to support refugees, asylees, asylum seekers and immigrants from all around the world as they rebuild a sense of home in Western Washington. World Relief Western Washington envisions every refugee and immigrant welcomed by community, rooted in community, and empowered for community.
Learn more at worldrelief.org/western-wa.
World Relief Applauds Announcement by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) To End Title 42, Calls For Functional and Orderly Asylum System Process
April 4, 2022
CONTACT:
Audrey Garden
audrey.garden@pinkston.co
571-405-1606
BALTIMORE – On Friday, the CDC announced that on May 23, it will end Title 42, a policy implemented in March 2020 that allows officials to turn away migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border even if they are seeking asylum. World Relief applauds the ending of Title 42 as it will be an important step forward to establishing a functional, orderly and efficient asylum process so those fleeing conflict and violence can find safety in the United States.
“Title 42 is a pandemic-era public health policy first applied by the Trump administration and continued by the Biden administration. It has meant that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has expelled asylum seekers without a hearing. Ostensibly, the policy has been designed to protect public health; in reality, it has long been clear that the policy was being used to simply ignore our country’s asylum laws,” said Matthew Soerens, World Relief U.S. director of church mobilization and advocacy. “We should never use public health as a pretense to deprive asylum seekers of their legal right to due process. Asylum seekers, by definition, profess to fear persecution if returned to their country of origin, and it’s vital that the U.S. government respect our nation’s laws designed to protect human life by ensuring no one is returned without a fair process to determine if they qualify to stay lawfully in the U.S.”
World Relief believes the United States can balance its responsibility to provide border security and due process for vulnerable people seeking asylum and protection. Therefore, U.S. officials need to uphold their legal and moral commitment not to return people to danger.
“While not everyone who shows up at the U.S. border is fleeing a credible threat of violence, persecution or conflict, and not every asylum seeker qualifies under U.S. law to be granted asylum, we must honor our nation’s moral and legal commitments to those fleeing persecution by providing them with their legal right to have their asylum claims heard,” said Myal Greene, president and CEO of World Relief.
To learn more about how you can advocate, visit https://worldrelief.org.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing and transformation to the most vulnerable.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
World Relief Welcomes Announcement of Ukrainian Refugee Resettlement and Humanitarian Assistance, Urges Broader Welcome
March 24, 2022
CONTACT:
Audrey Garden
audrey.garden@pinkston.co
571-405-1606
BALTIMORE – Today, President Biden announced a plan to admit as many as 100,000 Ukrainians to the United States as refugees and through other means. In addition, the United States is committing to provide more than $1 billion in new funding towards humanitarian assistance for those affected by Russia’s war in Ukraine and its impacts around the world. World Relief welcomes this announcement of additional humanitarian aid and is eager to welcome more Ukrainians to the United States, while also insisting that the U.S. should also welcome a larger number of refugees fleeing other conflicts globally.
“Prior to the Russian invasion last month, World Relief had already resettled more than 7,300 Ukrainians in the past decade, roughly 40 percent of all Ukrainians admitted to the U.S. as refugees during that time,” observed Myal Greene, president and CEO of World Relief. “We are in close contact with many of these individuals, almost all of whom have loved ones now at risk in Ukraine, and we’re grateful that President Biden’s announcement today seems to open up the likelihood of expedited family reunification and other avenues of protection. We are ready to welcome them, in partnership with local churches and other community partners.”
World Relief is also actively responding to the crisis in Europe, working with local churches and other partners both in Western Ukraine and in Slovakia, Romania, Moldova, Poland, and Hungary to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians who were forced to flee to neighboring countries or are in need of immediate assistance in Ukraine.
“The additional funding provided by the United States will help meet the immediate humanitarian needs of vulnerable Ukrainians who are bearing the brunt of war. We urge the international community to continue to provide humanitarian assistance as generously as possible to vulnerable Ukrainians and ensure there can be humanitarian corridors for civilians to be able to safely leave Ukraine or for aid to reach those trapped inside Ukraine,” said Myal Greene. “Most Ukrainians who make the difficult decision to leave their homes are relatively safe in neighboring European countries, where most would prefer to stay, in part because they hope and pray to return soon to a safe, free Ukraine. But for those who have family in the U.S. or for whom voluntary repatriation is impossible, some may prefer the option of resettlement to the U.S., where we are also eager to welcome and support them as they replant their lives. A multi-pronged approach to this crisis, exploring every pathway of protection for those who can resettle to the United States, while also continuing to support Ukrainians who remain in the region, will be critical as the humanitarian needs climb in the months ahead.”
While pleased with the U.S. government’s intention to welcome a large number of Ukrainian refugees, World Relief is also concerned about refugees who have fled other conflicts. “The Russian invasion of Ukraine is just the latest in a series of wars and conflicts that have fueled the greatest global refugee crisis since at least World War II,” noted Jenny Yang, senior vice president of advocacy and policy for World Relief. “The Biden administration must rebuild the U.S. refugee resettlement program not only for Ukrainians, but also for those who have fled similar conflicts that have garnered less media attention or been largely forgotten in the U.S. — even though the conflicts continue and refugees remain in desperate conditions in neighboring countries for years and sometimes for decades.”
World Relief celebrated the president’s decision last fall to raise the annual ceiling for refugee admissions to 125,000, the highest level in decades. But it has become clear that, without dramatic U.S. government efforts to increase the pace and scale of overseas processing as well as sustained investments in the domestic resettlement infrastructure, the U.S. will resettle, at most, a small fraction of that goal this year. Five months into the federal fiscal year, the U.S. has admitted just 6,494 refugees, which does not include Afghans resettled through a separate process.
“We need to rebuild a robust, nimble resettlement process that can welcome the persecuted from various parts of the world, with a particular concern for those most vulnerable, who may have no safe neighboring country to which to flee. And we must also ensure our asylum laws offer protections to those of any nationality who reach the U.S. and can demonstrate a credible fear of persecution, rights that the Biden administration is currently denying to many who are not Ukrainian under the pretext of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Yang.
As the president travels to Europe, World Relief urges the president to encourage and support Poland and neighboring countries to continue their welcome of Ukrainian and other refugees. World Relief also urges the international community to stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people by providing ongoing humanitarian assistance and facilitating diplomatic solutions to resolve the conflict.
“We hope and pray that the Ukrainian people will know peace and security in the near future. And we call upon the global church to support the Ukrainian people, and others experiencing conflict, as robustly as possible,” said Myal Greene.
Individuals interested in supporting World Relief’s humanitarian response in and around Ukraine can find more information at worldrelief.org/respond, while those interested in supporting resettlement efforts within the U.S. can find a list of World Relief resettlement locations at worldrelief.org/us-locations.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems — disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing and transformation to the most vulnerable. Learn more at worldrelief.org.
Sobering New Report Reveals COVID-19’s Devastating Impact on the World’s Poor
March 15, 2022
CONTACT:
Audrey Garden
audrey.garden@pinkston.co
571-405-1606
BALTIMORE – Today, World Relief published a new report revealing the immense impact of COVID-19 on the world’s poor. This report is one of the most comprehensive of its kind, corresponding to the two-year anniversary of when the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic.
“The pandemic has grown into one of the greatest humanitarian issues in recorded history, with the World Bank showing that in 2020 alone, 97 million more people were pushed into poverty as a result of COVID-19,” said Matilda Matitha, World Relief Malawi country director.
There is virtually no aspect of livelihood and employment that COVID-19 has not interfered with. The pandemic has disrupted every area of the healthcare system worldwide and has had a particularly devastating impact on women and children.
“Women have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19,” said Lanre Williams-Ayedun, senior vice president of international programs. “Job losses, increased pressures of care and domestic work, reduced hours and strains on both physical and mental health have contributed to the disproportionate socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19 for women globally. Gender-based violence has also intensified since the pandemic began.”
An estimated three to four years of progress in ending extreme poverty has been lost because of COVID-19. This report expands upon the many complex factors which led to that regression.
“Our end goal with this report is not simply education. It’s a push toward compassionate, thoughtful action that recognizes we are part of a global community. We are more than just U.S. citizens — we are citizens of the world, and right now, our world needs open hands and open hearts,” said Myal Greene, president and CEO of World Relief.
The report invites Christians to pray and take action. It also encourages the U.S. government and other advocates to engage in a consistent, thoughtful, and compassionate response to reverse the devastating effects of COVID-19 on those in poverty.
“Our prayer is that this report would incline the hearts of readers to more closely come alongside the vulnerable in their time of such great need,” said Jenny Yang, senior vice president of advocacy and policy at World Relief.
To view a recording of World Relief’s press conference on the report, visit: https://bit.ly/3tWd6SR.
To read the full report from World Relief, visit https://worldrelief.org/covid-report.
To download a PDF version of this release, click here.
About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing and transformation to the most vulnerable.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
COVID-19 Impact on the World’s Poor
Over the past two years, COVID-19 has grown into one of the greatest humanitarian issues in recorded history. In this report, we lay out the devastating effects economically, socially, emotionally and physically, and how we can respond with compassionate, thoughtful action.
Overview
From 1990 until 2015 we witnessed a consistent downward trend of global poverty rates, from nearly 36% to just 10% of people at the extreme poverty level living on just $1.90 a day. COVID-19 changed everything, and today 97 million more people were pushed into poverty as a result of COVID-19. Globally, “three to four years of progress toward ending extreme poverty are estimated to have been lost.”
Food Insecurity and Livelihoods
Expectations from the start of the pandemic showed that the number of people facing acute food insecurity would nearly double to 265 million by the end of 2020. But forecasting today predicts that acute food insecurity is likely to deteriorate even further in 20 countries of West Africa alone. Young children globally are bearing the brunt of the devastation, with 50 million suffering from wasting (low weight-for-height). There is virtually no aspect of livelihood and employment that COVID-19 has not interfered with.
Healthcare
Throughout Africa, the pandemic has disrupted critical health services and undermined years of progress fighting other deadly diseases, including HIV, TB and malaria. And COVID-19 vaccine distribution, education and availability have been a problem. Poorer nations rejected more than 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines in one month alone because of insufficient storage facilities, vaccine hesitancy and overburdened healthcare systems.
Women & Children
The devastating impact of COVID-19 on women and children cannot be overstated. Women typically earn less, have less access to social protections and make up most single-parent households. Along with rising rates of poverty come other major concerns, one of which is the “shadow pandemic”— violence against women. The number of children affected by COVID-19-associated orphanhood and caregiver death is estimated to have increased by 90% in just six months. Globally, schoolchildren have lost over 1.8 trillion hours of in-person learning, and only 1 in 10 students in the poorest countries have internet access, making remote learning inaccessible.
World Relief Responds
World Relief has been responding since the early days of the pandemic, launching an online information and support platform, providing community mobilization about COVID-19, delivering vaccinations and providing livelihood support, child protection and health services.
World Relief Responds to Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis, Urges Diplomatic Solutions
February 24, 2022
CONTACT:
Audrey Garden
audrey.garden@pinkston.co
571-405-1606
BALTIMORE – Today, Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine, plunging the nation into further conflict. As an organization that resettles refugees and assists vulnerable people around the world, World Relief recognizes the significant impact this situation will have on the civilian population in Ukraine as well as those in surrounding communities.
Yesterday, the United Nations indicated that a Russian invasion could lead to as many as five million refugees fleeing into neighboring countries. World Relief has been monitoring the situation over the last few weeks and is working with partners to respond as needed. World Relief is also reaching out to our Ukrainian staff in the United States and resettled Ukrainian refugees in the U.S. to offer support.
“It is critical that as large numbers of Ukrainians flee the conflict, surrounding countries in the region allow those fleeing conflict to find safety and refuge there,” said Jenny Yang, senior vice president of advocacy and policy at World Relief. “Ukraine has already endured a significant humanitarian crisis with over one million conflict-afflicted Ukrainians inside the nation and in surrounding countries from the previous incursion in 2014. We urge the global community to continue to provide humanitarian support to Ukraine and the surrounding countries. Our hearts go out to the Ukrainian people, and we remain committed to praying for peace to prevail.”
As we keep abreast of the situation in Ukraine, World Relief urges people to pray and support partners on the ground who are responding. With the loss of life already incurred as well as the significant displacement that will likely occur, many individuals will face dire humanitarian circumstances. A diplomatic solution is needed as urgently as possible to avert further humanitarian challenges.
“This crisis hits very close to home for World Relief,” said Myal Greene, president and CEO of World Relief. “In the last 18 years, World Relief has resettled over 13,000 refugees from Ukraine. These individuals have become our neighbors and friends. Many have even joined our staff, and we serve together daily. For those in the Ukrainian community, the last few weeks have been stressful as they have watched with concern for what was unfolding. The events of the last few hours are devastating.”
World Relief is working with international partners on our response, supporting those who flee to other countries. World Relief will continue to maintain a posture of prayer and support for our colleagues, neighbors, and friends in Ukraine and urges everyone to do the same in the coming weeks and months.
For more information on World Relief, visit http://www.worldrelief.org/.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing and transformation to the most vulnerable.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
A Legacy of Compassion: Celebrating Dr. Paul Farmer
February 24, 2022
CONTACT:
Audrey Garden
audrey.garden@pinkston.co
571-405-1606
BALTIMORE – The World Relief family celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Paul Farmer, who passed away on February 21, 2022, at the age of 62. As the co-founder of Partners in Health and a practitioner of social medicine, Dr. Farmer sought healing not only at an individual level but also at local, national and global levels. Upon his passing, we both mourn the loss of a dear brother and friend, and we celebrate with deep gratitude the profound impact he had on so many lives around the world.
An inspiration to many in the humanitarian and health spaces, he was discontent with the current state of solutions around global poverty and illness and sought to facilitate change from the ground up. Compassion was a way of life for Dr. Farmer. He set a precedent of deep care and action for all who will follow in his footsteps. He lived a life marked by deep and genuine compassion. To Dr. Farmer, no life was insignificant, no problem was unconquerable, and no person went unseen.
Myal Greene, president and CEO at World Relief, reflects: “Dr. Farmer’s legacy is one of profound impact with many lives saved and improved. During the eight years i lived in Rwanda working in community health there, Dr. Farmer was always a personal inspiration to me. He was an innovative practitioner, an influential voice on behalf of others and a loving and kind man. His work of training and equipping many people speaks for itself. I was deeply saddened to hear of his death, but I celebrate the ways he used his life well to care for so many people. The impact of his work will be felt for generations.”
Emily Chambers Sharpe, SCOPE senior technical advisor at World Relief, reflects: “Paul Farmer spoke often of having a preferential option for the poor. He truly put human beings at the center of his efforts. For him, going to scale was about providing everyone with the same type of healthcare you would want your own loved ones to receive. Paul Farmer thought everyone deserved the best we could provide. I imagine he heard “well done, good and faithful servant” because he treated everyone with such tender care.
Charles Franzén, humanitarian and disaster response unit director at World Relief, reflects: “In Rwanda, Haiti, Malawi and in many other places around the world, Paul was convinced that community challenges would be answered by community solutions. His profound impact is felt and will be felt for many years in those parts of the world far from the eye of the media, the villages beyond the end of the road, where community health workers bring messages that transform the way people look at themselves as the most important actors in the drama that is public health. The best way to honor the life of Paul Farmer is to follow the path he blazed so tenaciously, to seek the answers to the most difficult health questions through community-directed interventions.”
Prava Chhetri, health and nutrition technical advisor at World Relief, reflects: “I was so sad to hear the news yesterday. I was truly inspired by his groundwork, which is just as amazing as his academic contributions. Back in 2012, he visited a remote (western part of Nepal) place called Accham, which used to be an epicenter for HIV (migrant workers from India returned with HIV infection and infected their wives). During a time when global messaging was around “value of money” or “return on investment” in public health programming, Dr. Farmer promoted equity to health to highlight the needs of people burdened with poverty and disease. He reminded us that the value of money is not up for negotiation to achieve better health outcomes.”
World Relief celebrates the legacy and impact of Dr. Paul Farmer, and our global community of staff, volunteers and partners are deeply touched and inspired by the tenderness and grace with which Dr. Farmer carried out his work, continuing his legacy of seeing every man, woman and child as a neighbor and friend.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing and transformation to the most vulnerable.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.