Pierre M'Pelé

Pierre Kilebou M'Pelé, MD, MPH, PhD is an esteemed figure in the realm of public health. Born and raised in Africa, his contributions to the medical world, especially in combating HIV/AIDS and addressing Tropical diseases, have earned him significant recognition. As a representative of the WHO, his work has transcended boundaries and has played an instrumental role in health improvements across the continent.

Education & Early Years

Dr. M'Pelé embarked on his academic journey in the early 1980s. He acquired his doctorate in 1982 and furthered his education by earning post-doctoral degrees in various fields, namely Epidemiology, Tropical disease, Nutrition, Leprology, and Public Health. His pursuit of knowledge also led him to the renowned Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris. Here, under the guidance of Professor Marc Gentilini, he specialized in Public Health, Tropical Medicine, and Infectious Diseases.

Given the rise of the HIV pandemic during the 1980s, Dr. M'Pelé was at the forefront, advocating for the rights and needs of the People Living with HIV and spearheading efforts against HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Distinguished Career

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. M'Pelé held pivotal roles that spanned both medical and administrative aspects. From 1987 to 1998, he played a dual role as the Director of the National AIDS Control Programme and the Director of the National Laboratory of Public Health Cité Louis Pasteur. He also held the esteemed position of Medical Chief at the Teaching Medical Hospital of Brazzaville.

Beyond his directorial roles, Dr. M'Pelé was designated as the Head of Mission and Advisor for Health, Social Protection, and Science to the Presidency of the Republic of Congo. In 1995, in recognition of his relentless efforts against AIDS, he was elected as the President of the African Society against AIDS, a role he held for a decade until 2005.

Dr. M'Pelé's expertise was not limited to the African continent. He has been an international consultant for notable organizations such as UNDP, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, IPPF, USAID, WHO, and UNICEF. His association with Pantheon-Sorbonne University as a lecturer further exemplifies his diverse contributions. His leadership extended to the UNAIDS Inter-country Team for West and Central Africa during 2000-2004 and later as the UNAIDS Country Coordinator for Nigeria. His affiliation with the WHO saw him as a Country Representative in various nations, including Equatorial Guinea, Togo, and Ethiopia.

A remarkable facet of Dr. M'Pelé's life is his association with the Armed Forces of the Republic of the Congo as a Colonel. In 2010, he also took on the mantle of Chief of the Benue State in Nigeria.

Awards, Recognition, & Publications

Dr. M'Pelé's work has garnered several accolades. Some notable awards include the 1988 Noury Lemarrié Award, Commander of the French Legion of honor (1996), Knight of the Senegalese National Order of the Lion (1998), and the Public Health Medal of Honor from the Republic of Congo (1989).

His academic contributions include authoring and co-authoring several books, along with over 100 scientific articles and papers. He was quoted in the New York Times in 1988, emphasizing the importance of a vaccine in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

External Links

• WHO Country Office, Ethiopia
• BBC News article on Dr. M'Pelé
• Terra Daily article on Dr. M'Pelé

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