The people of Maryland County, including Superintendent Henry Cole, chiefs, elders, women, and other traditional leaders, have honored Mrs. Wingdie Didi Bertrand Farmer, widow of the late Dr. Paul Farmer, founder of Partners In Health (PIH), by bestowing upon her the title of ‘Extraordinary Paramount Chief’ of Maryland County.
This honor recognizes the invaluable services that PIH has provided to the people of Maryland County and Liberia over the years, as well as Mrs. Farmer’s role in upholding the legacy and vision of her late husband as a board member.
“Extend our felicitations to your children and let them know they have a family in Maryland County, Liberia. We will forever remember Partners In Health and the Farmer family,” Superintendent Cole stated.
The local leaders also named Madam Farmer, “Ade,” which means “our mother.”
Superintendent Henry Cole welcomes Didi Farmer at his office in Maryland County. Photo by Ansumana O. Sesay / PIH
In Liberia, a paramount chief is a traditional leader governing a specific community. This role involves protecting the community, resolving disputes, and administering local justice in accordance with customary law. The title of extraordinary paramount chief carries significant historical importance, reflecting the leadership and impact of its holder.
Superintendent Cole noted that when PIH first arrived in the county, residents had assumed it would function like other NGOs, providing services only for a brief period. He remarked,
“Immediately after the Ebola crisis, we realized that PIH was prepared to work wonders in the health system.”
He said due to PIH’s presence, Maryland County can now boast about a robust health system. “We are grateful,” he added.
Partners In Health began operations in Liberia in 2014, collaborating with the Government of Liberia and other partners to combat the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). After EVD was successfully eradicated in 2015, many partners shifted their resources to respond to the Zika virus outbreak in South America and left Liberia. However, PIH chose to remain in the country to assist with recovery and rebuilding efforts, recognizing that Ebola was not just an acute crisis but also highlighted deeper, chronic health system issues rooted in 14 years of civil war.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional leaders, Chief Augustine K. Howe expressed their delight in honoring Madam Farmer and appreciating PIH for its services to the people of Maryland County and beyond.
Didi Farmer receives welcome kola from Williamena Y. Neufville, Harper District women president, Maryland County. Photo by Ansumana O. Sesay / PIH
In her response, Madam Farmer expressed that the honor meant a great deal to her personally and highlighted PIH’s responsibility to continue its work for the people of Maryland County and Liberia. She felt deeply moved by the warm welcome and the honor bestowed upon her, calling it a symbol of true partnership, genuine acceptance, and trust.
The welcoming and honoring program took place at the Maryland County Administrative Building, which houses nearly all of the county’s administrative functions, including the office of the County Superintendent. She was accompanied by other PIHers, including Cate Oswald, Principal Chief Program Officer for Global Policy and Programs; Dr. Joia Mukherjee, Senior Clinical and Academic Advisor; Dr. Sterman Toussaint, Chief Medical Officer; J. Wilfred Zeon, Deputy Executive Director of Administration and Systems; and Dr. Sarah Anyango, Deputy Director of Clinical Services.
