Uploaded September 2019 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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.
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.
