About this talk
As a child growing up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a nation that has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world, Dikembe Mutombo questioned what he could do to make a difference. He dreamt of becoming a doctor to help improve health conditions in his community. The pursuit of his dream took him to the U.S. where his studies were diverted as his career as a professional NBA player soared.
With a new unique platform, Dikembe remained dedicated to humanitarian work in the DRC. Dikembe has worked to build lifesaving healthcare infrastructure, change the mentality on seeking medical care, bring awareness to women’s health, and advocate for in-country healthcare training. Watch multi-award winning CNN journalist Isha Sesay’s conversation with Dikembe in his TEDMED 2018 Talk to learn more about his current efforts.
About Dikembe Mutombo
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Dikembe Mutombo was a beloved NBA superstar and a dedicated humanitarian who used his fame to help others. He passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 58. Dikembe came to the U.S. from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1987 to study medicine at Georgetown University. He quickly became a standout basketball player, which led to an 18-season NBA career where he was known for his defense and his famous finger wag. After his basketball career ended, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame and became the first NBA Global Ambassador, a role that allowed him to continue his humanitarian work. His commitment to helping people in Africa, particularly in the Congo, was a major part of his life. He founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, which focuses on improving health and education. One of his greatest achievements was founding the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital in the DRC in 2007, which has provided care to hundreds of thousands of people. The foundation also opened the Samuel Mutombo Institute for Science & Entrepreneurship in 2021. Dikembe’s work earned him numerous awards, and his legacy as a humanitarian will continue to inspire people worldwide.
