Rector Jean-Marie KAYEMBE NTUMBA Receives Dr. DURKHEIM Blessing to Discuss an Ambitious Oncology Training Project for Doctors and Specialized Nurses in the DRC

Accelerating the fight against cancer in the Democratic Republic of the Congo through the expertise of the Congolese diaspora was the focus of a meeting between the Rector of the University of Kinshasa, Professor Jean-Marie KAYEMBE NTUMBA, and Dr. DURKHEIM Blessing, a medical oncologist and radiation oncologist currently practicing in Sweden. At the heart of their discussions was the establishment of a specialized oncology training program at the University Clinics of Kinshasa, with the ambitious goal of training nearly 100 oncologists and 200 specialized oncology nurses over the next five years.

Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and currently serving within the Swedish Ministry of Health, Dr. Durkheim Blessing reaffirmed his commitment to placing the expertise and experience he has acquired in Europe at the service of his homeland.

Following the meeting, he announced plans to mobilize a broad network of oncologists, cancer specialists, and specialized nurses to support the DRC in developing highly qualified human resources in oncology.

“We are here to establish a collaboration through which our professors will help develop a specialized oncology training program at the University Clinics of Kinshasa. Our ambition is to train approximately 100 oncologists in Kinshasa, as well as nearly 200 specialized oncology nurses, over the next five years,” he stated.

The specialist explained that this initiative responds to the appeal made by the President of the Republic, Félix Tshisekedi, encouraging Congolese members of the diaspora to contribute actively to the country's development by sharing their expertise.

According to him, the project is already at an advanced stage. Discussions are continuing with the Central Government regarding the signing of an agreement that will pave the way for the effective launch of the program.

Jérémie KUNIMA