Dr. Arriel Makembi Bunkete | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award
University of Kinshasa | Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Dr. Arriel Makembi Bunkete is a dedicated nephrologist and internal medicine specialist whose clinical and scientific work focuses on kidney transplantation, dialysis innovations, and the epidemiology of chronic kidney disease across diverse and resource-limited settings. He has developed a strong research identity through his contributions to transplant coordination, acute and chronic dialysis strategies, extracorporeal purification techniques, clinical nephrology, glomerular diseases, and the management of toxicological and environmental kidney injuries. His multidisciplinary approach integrates clinical practice, research leadership, and collaborative scientific work with teams in French Guiana, France, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Dr. Bunkete’s research addresses critical challenges such as anemia in kidney transplant recipients, sickle cell nephropathy, lupus nephritis activity, paraquat poisoning, high blood lead levels in dialysis patients, and the implementation of home hemodialysis in remote territories. His scientific output includes peer-reviewed articles, case reports, international conference abstracts, and involvement in ongoing epidemiological studies. Recognized for his growing academic influence, he has accumulated 4 citations, an h-index of 1, and an i10-index of 0 (Google Scholar metrics), with comparable citation performance indexed in Scopus. He also contributes as a reviewer for leading nephrology journals, reflecting his commitment to advancing global renal research. His work has received competitive research grant support for studies on APOL1 variants and chronic kidney disease in French Guiana, reinforcing his standing as an emerging investigator in tropical nephrology and transplant medicine. With a strong scientific footprint, ongoing research leadership, and steady scholarly growth, Dr. Bunkete demonstrates the qualities associated with the Best Researcher Award in nephrology.
Publication Profile
Featured Publications
Bunkete, A. M. (2025). Home hemodialysis in French Guiana: Transforming logistical challenges into healthcare opportunities. Bulletin de la Dialyse à Domicile, 8(2), 107–111.
Kabasele, D. B., Bunkete, A. M., Mbayabo, G., Lumbala, P., Matondo, O., Aloni, M., et al. (2025). Hydroxyurea and regression of sickle cell nephropathy: Open clinical trial in a pediatric population in DR Congo. Kidney360.
Bunkete, A. M., Kasonga, P. K., Fermigier, F., & Djiconkpode, I. (2025). WCN25-137: Pediatric nephrology in French Guiana – Overview and outlook. Kidney International Reports, 10(2), S615.
Anga, K., Makembi, A., Amisi, É., Delpierre, É., Ha, V. H. T., Mbombo, W., et al. (2024). Morbidity and mortality of acute renal failure in COVID-19 patients in intensive care according to waves/variant: Case of the Grand Hôpital de l’Est Francilien site de Meaux. Open Journal of Internal Medicine, 14(1), 16–29.
Bunkete, A. M., Belgrine, M., Sidibe, M., Bellony, S., Davodun, T., Djiconkpode, I., et al. (2025). Dialyse péritonéale chez un nourrisson avec insuffisance rénale aiguë sévère: Dialyse réalisée en plein vol lors d’une évacuation sanitaire en Guyane – À propos d’un cas. Bulletin de la Dialyse à Domicile, 8(3), 255–261.