Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe is a man of strong character. He values ​​his personality and remains unflappable. Whenever I've had the opportunity to discuss matters requiring a decision with him, he has consistently been guided by reason, common sense, and objectivity (rationality). He can also be seen as someone who particularly values ​​a consultative approach before reaching a decision.

He was a man of his word, deeply committed and faithful to every promise. On this point, I always remember that he constantly revisited what had already been said before continuing. We could, to some extent, predict what he was going to ask of us based on previous commitments. He always wanted reason to prevail in every circumstance.

He often told me, "Let's do the things that will remain after us." When leading teams, he is determined to see common sense and reason, which characterize him, impact those who report to him or those with whom he collaborates. It's often interesting to note that when a matter requires consensus, he takes the time to listen to others, and his own position is usually the last to be expressed.

This attitude greatly inspired me in conducting discussions because, in a position of power and decision-making, one often has the urge to decide directly. His determination to leave his mark, and especially his values, on every result produced by the missions entrusted to him remains a primary concern—a matter of honor and respect for the mandate and for himself.

Together with the teams he coordinates, he has always wanted the results produced to reflect the values ​​he upholds, one of which I recognize is"quality"of the work presented. He is meticulous, even down to the details, in correcting a text and ensuring its accuracy. On this point, it's important to remember that his greatest strength remains his humility. He doesn't hesitate to ask for help. I recall that he was once supposed to submit a technical and financial proposal to solicit funding from a partner for a mission related to the fight against COVID-19.

He didn't hesitate to ask me to do it,and when I came to present the work to him, he took his time to learn, asking me questions in particular. This humility is a mark of greatness that underpins his approach and conduct in many situations.

I remember another day when I was eager to meet with him for an important discussion, but he was already preoccupied with something else. That's when he asked me to come in before the start of his meeting. What fascinated me most was the effort he made to find a slot for me in his already very full schedule. It must be said that Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe does this for practically everyone, without exception, when you come with your ideas, suggestions, or proposals to advance the work being done in the field. What's even more remarkable is that he doesn't prioritize his own needs.

On the other hand, he does it to meet the needs of the person who contacts him, and this is genuine in every case. Therefore, he doesn't simply take note of the concerns presented to him, but actively participates in finding solutions by committing himself to supporting the individual. I saw this, for example, when I was having trouble getting "COVID-19 traveler" test results in a timely manner for people with reduced mobility. He personally got involved, calling the necessary people, and he would call me back several times to ensure a solution was found. We, especially healthcare professionals, need to emulate this attitude, to be actively involved in finding solutions for others. As I mentioned in one of my publications, "Letters of Your Success," the world currently has over 8 billion people, and the most beautiful thing about this diversity of creation is that each person is unique and no two are alike. Creation defines each person in a unique way, bestows upon them a genetic heritage, and allows them to discover the aspirations specific to their life.

By analyzing the famous phrase "Know thyself" taken up by Socrates several centuries before this era as a motto on the frontispiece of the Temple of Delphi, you consider that it would be absurd to claim to carry the enterprise that underpins its existence, without knowing its strengths, its mode of operation, its limits and its weaknesses, the possible threats it may face, and the opportunities it may seize to boost its flight.

Therefore, through his many achievements, his know-how and his ingenuity, I realize that Professor Jacques Muyembe dedicates his time to a self-recognition of the destiny of his earthly mission. This dimension is fundamental in everyone's life. He has dedicated himself to discovering his enormous capital and learning the most appropriate ways to exploit it, and thanks to this, today the world benefits from a treatment against the Ebola virus disease called "Ebanga" discovered thanks to the research carried out by Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe and his team.

In my opinion, this is an exercise he has learned to engage in, using each challenge, trial, and mission as an opportunity to make a difference, to assert himself, and much more: to be useful by providing, however modestly, appropriate responses to situations that particularly affect human life. Through this profound introspection, he has been able to draw from the depths of himself knowledge and skills that define him and present him today as a global asset. [...]

Related Articles:

• PROFESSOR JEAN-JACQUES MUYEMBE - THE AFRICAN HERO OF SCIENCE
• A LIFE DEDICATED TO VIROLOGY AND EPIDEMIC CONTROL
• AWARDS AND PRIZES AWARDED TO PROFESSOR JEAN-JACQUES MUYEMBE
• THE CONGOLESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (ACCOS): KNOWLEDGE AT THE SERVICE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE DRC
• 10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT Jean-Jacques MUYEMBE TAMFUM
• WHEN AFRICA PRODUCES ITS OWN RESPONSES TO MAJOR EPIDEMICS