Dr. Denis Mukwege awarded honorary doctorate from USN

Portrait of Dr. Denis Mukwege
FIRST HONORARY DOCTOR: Congolese Dr. Denis Mukwege awarded honorary doctorate from USN. (Photo: Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock.com)

On March 8th, International Women’s Day, Dr. Denis Mukwege was awarded an honorary doctorate from University of South-Eastern Norway.

The conferment acknowledges his extensive research and clinical efforts aimed at helping women who have been subjected to violence and abuse, the treatment of birth injuries, and other aspects of women’s health.

“Research groups in the fields of technology and health sciences have been collaborating with Dr. Denis Mukwege for years now. That’s why we’re pleased that he has accepted the nomination of his peers and that the university’s board has awarded him an honorary doctorate from USN,” says Rector Petter Aasen.

On March 8th – International Women’s Day – the Board of the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) decided to make Dr. Denis Mukwege of Congo’s Panzi Hospital USN’s first honorary doctor.

Has waged a tireless campaign 

Dr. Mukwege has waged a tireless campaign to combat sexual violence against women and children, and his research work also encompasses a number of global health issues. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018, and has been awarded a number of international honours.

The appointment follows a joint nomination from the Deans of the Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences and the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences.

Dr. Mukwege has long been engaged in academic collaborations tied to the university. He is working with the Department of Microsystems’ BioMEMS research group to develop diagnostic technology and diagnostic tests for various diseases, and also addresses issues related to women’s reproductive health with the midwifery group at the Department of Nursing and Health Sciences. 

In his response to USN, Dr. Mukwege expresses his humble gratitude and accepts the appointment. He sees it as a sign of support and recognition for those who have survived sexual violence, for peace, and for the work of Panzi Hospital.

More collaboration to come 

USN and Dr. Mukwege look forward to continued collaboration in the fight against sexual violence and women’s diseases.

The collaboration will also encompass areas such as reproductive health and vulnerable pregnant women, health infrastructure, health technology, clinical work at Panzi Hospital in Congo, and peace work.

“Unfortunately, the tense situation in Congo will prevent Dr. Mukwege from attending the university’s doctoral degree conferment ceremony at the end of April. He hopes that the situation in his home country will allow him to come to next year’s event,” says Aasen.