This Tuesday, July 5, 2022, was a memorable day for the University of Kinshasa. The eldest daughter of the universities of the DRC received a visit from the very distinguished First Lady of the DRC, Mrs. Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, came to personally present the inter-university diplomas in sickle cell disease II, academic year 2021-2022. She campaigns for sickle cell patients through the Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation(FDNT).

After a warm welcome given to him by the Unikin Management Committee headed by the Rector Professor Jean-Marie Kayembe Ntumba as well as the review of the university police troops lined up for the occasion, the very distinguished first lady of the DRC received the ovations of the audience present for the occasion in the great hall of Unikin. Many political figures were present: The Minister of Higher and University Education, the Minister of Scientific Research, the Minister of Health, Prevention and Hygiene, the Mayor of the commune of Lemba, …

A ceremony rich in color, under the masterful moderation of Mrs. Professor Nadège Ngombe Kabamba, chief of staff of the Rector and the musical direction of the prestigious Luc Gillon Choir, was the framework for the presentation of inter-university diplomas in sickle cell disease.

In his welcoming address, the Rector did not hide his joy at being the host of this great ceremony enhanced by the presence of the very distinguished First Lady: a day of revivalThe honor given to the woman Professor was not left out, the very distinguished first lady was able to appreciate the tribute paid to them in the main hall of the Unikin administrative building.

The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, the Professor Roger Mbungu Mwimba, noted that the presidential couple's interest in sickle cell disease is a strong signal for national education.

THE Professor Mikobi Minga Tite, Coordinator in charge of the interuniversity diploma in sickle cell disease and head of the Center of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease at the Faculty of Medicine, explained that this interuniversity diploma stems from a course outline of 3 modules of 160 hours in collaboration with the universities KULeuven, Paris-Est Créteil and ULB, Unikin being the organizing and promoting university of this diploma. This training has allowed a better understanding of the pathology, early detection techniques and more effective management. A migration to a master's degree is planned for next year. Sickle cell disease is the second most dreaded genetic disease, of which the DRC is second in Africa and third in the world.

In his scientific communication, the Professor Mikobi Minga Tite presented on the theme: “Sickle cell disease and malaria: A controversial history of two diseases with no interdependence but a reciprocal influence.”

Dr. Mputu Bethuel, speaking on behalf of all the winners, requested the title of Godmother of this second promotion.

In his word of circumstance, Mrs. Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, First Lady of the DRC, promised to redouble her efforts to continue the fight against sickle cell disease. "This disease should become a thing of the past in our country." This was followed by the presentation of diplomas to the day's winners.

Sickle cell disease is the number one priority public health disease.

The Rector's closing remarks were summed up around two biblical anecdotes: The widow of Zarephath, who offered the little she had for a greater blessing (Isaiah 17:9-24) and Mary, the mother of Christ, seeing the suffering inflicted on her son for the salvation of all (John 19:25).

                                                                                                                                                               Rectorate Press.