Albert Schweitzer: helping Africa's sick and needy

To this day Nobel Peace Prize winner Albert Schweitzer remains a guiding example of the perfect mix of humanity and scholarliness. Born in 1875, he opened his world famous hospital in Lamberéné, Gabon, a century ago to tend to the poor and sick. We have a look back at his unique life.

Albert Schweitzer grew up in the Alsatian town of Gunsbach. In this family photo from 1885, Schweitzer is standing in the center of the back row. In the years afterward, the Alsace region alternated between French and German rule. Schweitzer spoke both languages, and studied in Paris and Strasbourg.

Albert Schweitzer studied theology and philosophy. Schweitzer researched the life of Jesus and Paul, and even became a philosophy professor. But his first love was music. Even as a child he was a talented organ player. He especially enjoyed performing the works of German composer Johann Sebastian Bach, as in this picture from 1950.

Music, science, faith: by 1902 the young professor was tipped for a high-flying academic career. But Schweitzer wanted to take on responsibility. He began to study medicine in 1905. Together with his wife Helene, whom he married in 1912, he dreamt of opening a hospital in Africa.

In 1913 the Schweitzers packed their bags and boarded a ship for Africa. On the grounds of the MEP mission station in modern-day Gabon, they set up the first Albert Schweitzer hospital. Here, the "Grand Docteur," as his patients often called him, is conducting an operation.

For Albert Schweitzer his philosophy of "reverence for life" involved a respect for all living creatures. He also worked hard to protect animal and plant species. His hospital in Lambaréné developed into a home for pelicans, cats and dogs, as well as an important medical service for the people of Gabon.

Schweitzer worked for almost 50 years at his hospital in Lambaréné. Throughout this time the financial situation of the facility remained precarious. For that reason, he devoted a lot of time each day to fundraising and writing thankyou letters. He also received many guests at the hospital too as part of promoting the facility.

Albert Schweitzer was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work in 1954. In the 1950s and 1960s he used his fame to campaign against the proliferation of nuclear weapons, together with Albert Einstein and Linus Pauling. On the 23rd of April 1957, Schweitzer broadcast an "Appeal to Humanity" on Radio Oslo which criticized the use of atom bombs.

Schweitzer was an outspoken critic of war. Up until his death he even attempted to convince leaders of his opinions, including the US government of John F. Kennedy. He died aged 90 on the 4th of September 1965 in Lambaréné. In this picture, from 1956, he is pictured with his wife, Helene.