Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba and his wife Sylvia Bongo Ondimba on Wednesday received their second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Sinopharm.

The two took their first jabs on March 23, days after the country received 100,000 doses of the vaccine from China.

"In the face of the virus, the vaccine is a safe and effective weapon," said President Bongo after takin the shot.

"Coupled with respect for containment measures that we must continue to observe, it will allow us to find a normal life."

On her part, the First Lady expressed her gratitude to the countries healthcare workers who had led the fight against the pandemic, hailing them as heroes. She also urged the public to make time to receive the vaccine.

The country's first case of the virus was recorded on March 12, 2020.

By Wednesday, Gabon had reported 20,971 confirmed COVID-19 infections with 129 deaths.