Denis Mukwege

Denis Mukwege is a Congolese gynecologist and human rights activist. He was born in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in 1955. He has treated tens of thousands of victims of violence in his country. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 for his efforts to end the use of violence as a weapon of war.

Early Life

Mukwege's father was a pastor who visited sick people. Young Denis would go along and wonder why no one could help them. He decided to become a doctor. He studied medicine in Burundi and France before returning to the Congo.

Panzi Hospital

Mukwege founded the Panzi Hospital in 1999. The hospital has treated over 50,000 patients who were victims of conflict. He has survived multiple assassination attempts because of his work. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 for his lifelong dedication to helping others.

Fun Facts

• Denis Mukwege's hospital has treated over 50,000 victims of violence.
• He survived an assassination attempt in 2012 and returned to work despite the danger.
• He shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Nadia Murad in 2018.

Did You Know?

Denis Mukwege was inspired to become a doctor as a child when he went with his father to visit sick neighbors. He wondered why there was no one to heal them and decided to become that person.