The head of state, president Ali Bongo Ondimba, visited CERMEL during a recent tour of Lambaréné. Accompanied by the Minister of Research, Pacôme Moubelet Boubeya and the Minister of Health, Jean-Pierre Oyiba, the president was given a tour of the premises, including the main research laboratory and the tuberculosis laboratory. A presentation of recent research activites was given by CERMEL staff, and Prof. Peter Kremsner, gave a brief overview of future projects.

In his adresse, President Bongo Ondimba emphasised the importance of medical research for the development of Gabon. He congratulated the scientists on their achievements and highlighted the government's commitment to support world-class research. Special attention would be given to the development of a second generation malaria vaccine - a project in which CERMEL is a leading partner within a network of centers.