DOCTOR SCHWEITZER HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Founded in 1913 by the illustrious Doctor Albert Schweitzer, the eponymous hospital was opened with the aim of improving the quality of life of the region's inhabitants, but also to carry out fundamental research to combat infectious diseases. A great humanitarian doctor of the 20th century and winner of the 1952 Nobel Prize, the "Great White Man", as he was known, left his mark on Gabon by bringing modern medicine, free of charge and accessible to all. The hospital continues its exemplary and vital work more than a century after its creation. In 2013, the centenary of the institution was celebrated with great pomp by the Gabonese government, in the presence of leading experts in the fields of infectious diseases, health and international aid. On this occasion, the foundation created the Albert Schweitzer Gabon Prize to encourage research in the fight against infectious diseases, and opened the new Albert Schweitzer International University Hospital in Lambaréné.

The old hospital, located on the banks of the Ogooué River, has been completely restored to its original state. The visit is accompanied by the explanations of the guide, while the personal or professional objects of the great doctor, always well arranged in their place, seem to be still waiting for him, without time having any effect on them. The visit is nothing extraordinary. However, the singular history of this extraordinary man will not fail to interest any sensitive person.