This initiative demonstrates the will of Gabon’s government to extend health services to all citizens and conduct swift modernization of the health insurance system. President El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba launched the program on December 19, 2008, officially handing over the first health cards. These can be used in hospitals, pharmacies and health centers, to check patient entitlement while ensuring confidentiality of personal data. This health card, the size of a credit card, carries the beneficiary’s identification number, civil status information, photograph and fingerprints. remi.calvet@gemalto.com www.gemalto.com