In the prestigious Monekoso Hall of the Faculty of Medicine, an unforgettable moment was marked by the meeting of Alumni and Friends of AFMED (Association of Former Physicians of the University of Kinshasa). Under the theme AFMED-Faculty of Medicine-Students and Community Physicians, this meeting celebrated the excellence, commitment, and success of students and health practitioners, while recalling the importance of supporting research, teaching, and medical practice in the service of the well-being of the population.

A Story of Passion and Commitment

The day began with a series of immersive tours. AFMED members and their guests had the opportunity to explore the Faculty of Medicine's facilities, including the UNIKIN administrative building, research sites, and the Reference Center for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases.

Students also presented their work at science fairs, showcasing their passion and creativity at stands around the Monekoso amphitheater.

AFMED's Achievements: A Positive and Sustainable Impact

AFMED is more than just an association. It plays a key role in supporting the Faculty of Medicine, both in the areas of teaching and research, and in improving healthcare infrastructure. Here are some notable achievements in 2024:

• Improving cardiology services with state-of-the-art equipment.
• Modernization of the meeting room and facilities of the Department of Physical Medicine.
• Donation of medicines to support military hospitals, symbolically handed over to OAU clinics.

The Celebration of Excellence: Rewarding the Best

In a warm and inspiring atmosphere, AFMED honored the rising stars of the Faculty of Medicine, these students who embody the future of medicine and public health.

The awards highlighted exceptional talents who distinguished themselves through their hard work and brilliant results.

AFMED 2024 winners

The awards were presented under the inspiring voice of Professor Lepira. These young people deserve to be called Ladies and Gentlemen:

• Madame Thethe Les Anges (D4 Medicine): A remarkable student, awarded for her academic excellence.
• Madame Mumba Kento Marie-Rose (D3 Biomedical)
• Mrs. Kusungidila Matondo
• Mr. Ndunda Memchisedec
• Mr. Dindi Madi Eko

The winners of G3 Biomedical:

• Manga Nkona
• Ngoul Mujana
• Singa Ali Mobutu Laurent Junior
• Lusamba Ken: Winner of the Physio-cardiology prize, awarded by an Alumni doctor based in Belgium.

The Faculty of Dental Medicine also honored its best elements:

• Mr. Niose Victor
• Mr. Buyu TaKu
• Mr. Wake Oumar

These students received books, USB drives and a prize of USD 50 as a reward for their perseverance.

The Cadets: The Call of Youth

The prize was also awarded to Bayoko Mputu, a second-year Biomedical student, for his involvement and passion for medical sciences.

Excellence Scholarships: Valuable Support for Promising Talents

The Dr. Jean-Baptiste and Bernadette Sabaika Mwanga Foundation made a lasting impression by awarding excellence scholarships to deserving students:

1. Ms. Matanda Ruth (D4 Medicine) received a scholarship of USD 1,000, awarded by the Honorary President of the Foundation, Knight of the Legion of Honor of the French Republic.
2. Kaila Don and Ms. Mumba Marie Thérèse received medical supplies and equipment to support their academic journey.

Distinctions in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Under the aegis of *Professor Kabwelulu, a special tribute was paid to the brilliant students of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with the presentation of the retro simulator to the winners:

• Kofi Kanesa Crispin
• Fayala Fayette
• Sewa Geraldi
• Gerekondo Bokonga
• Mfuli Mosibo David

The Unmissable Dean Roger Mbungu: An Unforgettable Recognition

Dean Roger Mbungu, faithful to the tradition of excellence, honored the winners by offering them a book on the values and symbols of the Republic, a work by researchers from the Governance Observatory, recognized and awarded at the Congolese Scientific Engineering Forum.

A strong gesture from the Faculty, highlighting its commitment to the culture of excellence and the key role of AFMED in promoting student success, moral and ethical values, as recommended by both the national anthem and the University anthem.

Thanks and Gratitude: Love Stronger than Death

In a moving speech, Ms. Lepira expressed her deep gratitude to AFMED, which honored the memory of the late Professor Lepira. Her dignified message served as a reminder that love and the transmission of values never die.

Celebrating 70 Years of UNIKIN: A Look to the Future

As part of the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the University of Kinshasa (UNIKIN), several presentations provided an opportunity to put into perspective the evolution of higher education and future prospects:

1. Perspective of a student from the Faculty of Medicine – *Elie Mwatsenge
2. Perspective of a Congolese intellectual – Didier Mumengi
3. An engineer's view of the University and Congolese society – Ir. Beleke Tabu Léonard
4. A Lawyer’s Perspective – Prof. Luzolo Bambi
5. Higher and University Education Management – Prof. Mvioto
6. Review of the 70th anniversary of the UNIKIN Faculty of Medicine – *Prof. Roger Mbungu, Dean
7. Message from the Rector to Alumni – Jean-Marie Kayembe

Closing: An Invitation to Pursue Excellence

After a well-deserved break, the closing speeches reaffirmed the values of AFMED, with contributions from:

• Prof. Molua, who recalled the essential recommendations for the future.
• Dr. Tonduangu, President of AFMED, who encouraged Alumni to continue supporting the Faculty.
• Finally, Rector Jean-Marie Kayembe closed the event by inviting all Alumni to continue their commitment to excellence and to serve as role models for future generations.

Congratulations to AFMED for its Tradition of Excellence, a Model for the Future.

By celebrating excellence and rewarding the best, AFMED embodies the vision of a future where hard work, values, and commitment are always at the heart of success. An example to follow for all faculties and alumni of Congolese institutions, a model for celebrating masters and promoting talent. The challenges are great, but with such a spirit, the path to excellence remains open and accessible to all.

Michel Bisa Kibul
Moluki pe Motangisi