Congolese ObGyn Receives Nobel Peace Prize

He has been described as the "most unifying symbol both nationally and internationally of the struggle to end sexual violence in war and armed conflict." The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology would like to extend our congratulations to Dr. Denis Mukwege, a Congolese ObGyn who has been awarded with a Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless work in ending sexual violence.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded both Dr. Mukwege and Yazidi activist Nadia Murad with the joint prize “for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict.” Dr. Mukwege has dedicated his life and career to helping women who have experienced sexual violence by founding the Panzi Hospital in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This hospital has cared for more than 50,000 women and girls who have suffered assault during the country's ongoing conflicts. Dr. Mukwege is also an advisor to an international human rights organization, which is fighting to end sexual violence in wars around the world.

Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Global Health and Advocacy, Dr. Rachel Spitzer is very pleased to see the recognition for Dr. Mukwege's work.

"May this award bring more attention to this very important work and the need to bring an end to gender-based violence and its devastating consequences."

The department's global health interest group was also pleased to screen the documentary, in which Dr. Mukwege was the subject, titled "The Man Who Heals Women". This film went over very well with trainees who were able to witness the important work that the doctor and his team are currently completing.

Click here to read the full article from The Guardian.

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