The University of Health Sciences (USS) in Owendo, Gabon, will now be known as the Pierre-André and Marie-Yvonne Kombila Koumba University. This decision was made in honor of the late Professor Pierre-André Kombila Koumba, who passed away on October 15, 2026, due to a cerebral vascular accident (CVA). The announcement was made at the Libreville University Hospital during a tribute to the professor. The renaming was instructed by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.
Professor Kombila Koumba was a renowned figure in Gabon's medical field, serving as the country's first cardiologist and first aggregated cardiologist. He played a crucial role in establishing the first cardiology department at the former General Hospital, now known as the Libreville University Hospital. His contributions to the medical field have left a lasting impact, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of medical professionals.
A ceremony was held to pay tribute to Professor Kombila Koumba, attended by his colleagues, former students, and close relatives. During the event, a guard of honor was formed by his fellow doctors. Minister of Health, Professor Elsa Nkana Josephine Ayo-Bivigou, an former student of Professor Kombila Koumba, praised his memory, highlighting his dedication to building Gabon's cardiology sector and training the first generation of specialists.
Minister of Technical Education, Marcelle Ibinga-Itsitsa, also paid tribute to Professor Kombila Koumba, emphasizing his teaching skills, which instilled discipline, a love for knowledge, and a sense of responsibility towards human life in his students. A letter from his former colleagues in Rennes, read by his daughter Matamba Kombile, recalled his decision to return to Gabon in 1977 to practice medicine and share his expertise.
Professor Kombila Koumba's work was supported by his wife, Marie-Yvonne, with whom he shared his life, passion for medicine, and had three children. The couple's legacy is not only scientific but also a story of love, dedication, and transmission that their children will carry forward. The professor was posthumously elevated to the dignity of Grand-Croix des Ordres nationaux.
The renaming of the University of Health Sciences is a testament to Professor Kombila Koumba's significant contributions to Gabon's medical sector. His impact on the country's healthcare system will continue to be felt for years to come. The university will now carry his name, serving as a reminder of his dedication to medical education and practice.
Key points of this tribute include the renaming of the University of Health Sciences after Professor Kombila Koumba, his significant contributions to Gabon's cardiology sector, and his legacy as a medical educator and practitioner.
Key points
- University of Health Sciences renamed after Pierre-André and Marie-Yvonne Kombila Koumba
- Professor Kombila Koumba was Gabon's first cardiologist and first aggregated cardiologist
- He was posthumously elevated to the dignity of Grand-Croix des Ordres nationaux
