Here are 1 famous musicians from Congo died at 45:
Edith Lucie Bongo (March 10, 1964 Brazzaville-March 14, 2009 Rabat) also known as First lady Edith Lucie Bongo or Dr. Edith Lucie Bongo was a Congolese physician.
She was the wife of the President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso, making her the First Lady of the Republic of Congo from 1997 until her death in 2009. Bongo played an active role in public life, particularly in her efforts to raise awareness of and improve healthcare services in the country. She also served as the ambassador of the National Program for the Fight Against Malaria and HIV/AIDS. She was known for her humanitarian work and advocacy for women's rights. After her death, the Brazzaville University Hospital Center was renamed in her honor.
Bongo was born into a political family. Her father, Edmond Bongo, was a Member of Parliament, while her mother came from a prominent family in Congo. Bongo began her studies at the Marien Ngouabi University of Brazzaville before pursuing her medical degree in Rabat, Morocco, where she met her future husband Denis Sassou Nguesso, who was also studying in the country at the time.
After completing her studies and returning to Congo, Bongo worked as a physician at the Brazzaville General Hospital. Her passion for improving healthcare in the country led her to become actively involved in the National Program for the Fight Against Malaria and HIV/AIDS. She served as ambassador for the program, traveling throughout the country to raise awareness and educate communities on how to prevent and treat communicable diseases.
Aside from her public health work, Bongo also advocated for women's rights in Congo. She founded the Congolese Foundation for Medical Research and Training, which provided scholarships to young women looking to pursue careers in medicine. Bongo also established the Congo Women's Forum, an organization which brought together women from across the country to address issues related to gender equality, violence against women and female empowerment.
Bongo passed away in 2009 in Rabat, Morocco, due to complications from cancer. She was remembered as a strong advocate for public health and women's rights, and for her unwavering dedication to the people of Congo. As a tribute to her impact, the Brazzaville University Hospital Center was renamed the Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba University Hospital Center.
In addition to her work within Congo, Bongo was involved in various international organizations, including the African First Ladies' Peace Mission and the United Nations Population Fund Advisory Panel. She was also a member of the Global Leaders Council for Reproductive Health, which works to expand access to reproductive healthcare around the world. Bongo's leadership and contributions to these organizations were recognized posthumously when she was awarded the "World Leader Prize" by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition in 2010. Bongo's legacy continues to inspire others to work towards improving public health and women's rights in Congo and around the world.
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