The Medical Research Unit of the Albert Schweitzer Hospital was established in Lambaréné, Gabon, to study major causes of disease burden in the local population. Since its foundation 25 years ago, it has become a leading African research centre, specialising in pathophysiology and treatment of highly prevalent infectious diseases found in sub-Saharan Africa.

The initial goals have been broadened and now include training in clinical and laboratory research for local and international investigators.

Contents 1 Vision and Goals 2 Activities 3 Partners 4 External links

[edit] Vision and Goals

In future, Lambaréné will be acting as competence centre of further education for doctors in the range of drug discovery in Africa. Along with the Vienna School of Clinical Research (VSCR), a member of the European Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnerschip (EDCTP) and the research laboratory at the Albert Schweizer Hospital, Lambaréné wants to provide a further education program for African doctors. This program will be focusing on diseases like HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis. By combating these three major diseases, the centre simultaneously seeks to reduce poverty as a whole. From this location, Lambaréné will also operate as a “flying school”, which – if necessary – is capable of organizing further education courses concerning drug discovery in other African countries.

The hospital in Lambaréné, as well as the life and philosophy of Albert Schweitzer, also inspired in 1956 Larry Mellon to found the Hospital Albert Schweitzer Haiti in Deschapelles, Haiti.

[edit] Activities

• Assistance in organizing (Preparation, realization and revision) courses of further education in drug discovery focusing on poverty related diseases like HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis
• Job training for native workers on further education courses
• Co-ordination of patients, who are taking part at clinical studies
• Administrative work at the research laboratory
• Participation in carrying out courses of further education concerning drug discovery in other countries

[edit] Partners

The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship

Vienna School

Austrian Service Abroad

[edit] External links

The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship

• Medical Research Unit Albert Schweitzer Hospital Lambaréné Gabon at www.uni-tuebingen.de
• Hopital Albert Schweitzer Haiti