Who is Denis Mukwege?
Denis Mukwege is a Congolese gynecologist and Pentecostal pastor renowned for his work treating survivors of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He founded Panzi Hospital, specializing in repairing injuries from rape used as a weapon of war. In 2018, Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to end sexual violence in armed conflicts.
Wiki/Overview
| Full Name | Denis Mukengere Mukwege |
| Nickname | Doctor Miracle |
| Profession | Doctor (Gynaecologist), Activist, Pentecostal pastor |
| Date of Birth | 1 March, 1955 |
| Place of Birth | Bukavu, Belgian Congo, Africa |
| Age (as of 2024) | 69 |
| Father | Name not available (Pastor, Pentecostal Minister) |
| Mother | Name not available |
| Spouse | Name not available |
| Education | Medical Degree; PhD |
| Alma Mater | University of Burundi, Bujumbura; Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium |
| Organization | Panzi Hospital; Denis Mukwege Foundation |
| Known for | Founding the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, DRC, where he has treated over 50,000 survivors of sexual violence used as a weapon of war; Winning the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize |
| Residence | N/A |
| Nationality | Congolese |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Hair Colour | Dark Brown’’ |
| Height | 5’10’’ |
| Weight | 80 kg |
| Eye Colour | Salt & Pepper |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
Early life
Denis Mukwege was born in 1955 in Bukavu, Belgian Congo (now DRC) into a religious family. He is the third of nine children born to a Pentecostal minister father. Inspired by his father’s work helping the sick, Denis Mukwege decided to study medicine from a young age.
Career
After studying medicine in Burundi and France, Denis Mukwege returned to Congo in 1989 and worked at a rural hospital, where he witnessed women suffering from birth injuries due to lack of care. This inspired him to found the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu in 1999, specializing in treating survivors of sexual violence used as a weapon of war during Congo’s conflicts. He has performed reconstructive surgeries on over 50,000 women and spoken out against using rape as a weapon, despite threats to his life.
Education
Denis Mukwege obtained a medical degree from the University of Burundi in 1983. He later studied gynecology and obstetrics at the University of Angers in France, obtaining his masters and completing his residency in 1989. In 2015, he earned a PhD from the Université libre de Bruxelles.
Family and Affairs
It is known that he is married and has three daughters. Denis Mukwege comes from a large family, being the third of nine children born to a Pentecostal minister father and his wife in Bukavu. Beyond this, specifics about his spouse, children’s names, and other family affairs are not publicly disclosed.
Appearance
Denis Mukwege is of average height around 5’10” with a slim build. He has dark brown eyes, salt and pepper hair, and an warm, inviting demeanor.
Achievements
Denis Mukwege has received numerous prestigious awards for his tireless humanitarian work, including the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize (shared with Nadia Murad), the Sakharov Prize, UN Human Rights Prize, Olof Palme Prize, Right Livelihood Award, and France’s Legion of Honor. He has been named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People and recognized by Fortune as a World’s Greatest Leader. Denis Mukwege has also received over 15 honorary doctorates from universities globally for his contributions to advancing human rights and treating over 50,000 survivors of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Money Factor
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Salary / Income | N/A |
Trivia & Facts
- He almost died at birth due to an infection but was saved by a Swedish Pentecostal missionary and midwife.
- At age 13, he had a transformative experience of speaking in tongues that deepened his Pentecostal faith.
- The construction of Panzi Hospital was mainly financed by Swedish Christian aid organizations.
- He has performed up to 10 operations a day during his 17-hour work shifts at Panzi.
- Denis Mukwege was temporarily exiled in Europe for 3 months in 2013 after an assassination attempt on his life.
- He co-founded the City of Joy community for women survivors with Eve Ensler and Christine Deshryver.
- A 2016 Netflix documentary titled “The Uncondemned” featured his work.
- In 2023, he briefly ran for president in the DRC general election, coming in 6th place.
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