Medical care in Eritrea

Medical care is available in public hospitals in Asmara and other major cities, however, these have few facilities. Outside Asmara, medical facilities are limited and poorly equipped.

Do not forget to take a travel pharmacy with you for the entire duration of your trip and to take out good travel insurance. Medications are often not available and can be very expensive. It is advised to bring painkillers such as paracetamol, pills against allergic reactions and against diarrhea with you as a bare minimum. 

In terms of food and hygiene, take the usual precautions. Drinking tap water is not recommended and be careful with eating food on the streets. Make sure it’s fresh and clean. It can be difficult to obtain potable/bottled water, especially outside the capital. Keep this in mind when planning your trip. Prices for bottled water have gone out of hand since they’re being imported.

Malaria

In areas below 2200 meters there is a significant malaria risk. We recommend mosquito repellent measures (DEET, long pants, long sleeves). Ask your doctor about malaria pills. If you have a fever during or after the trip, always have yourself tested for malaria as soon as possible. There is no risk of malaria in areas above 2000 meters, so also not in the capital Asmara.

Yellow fever

There is a risk of yellow fever in the northern states bordering Ethiopia and Sudan: Anseba, Debub, Gash Barka, Mae Kel and Semenawi Keih Bahri. Make sure you are vaccinated and bring your mandatory yellow fever vaccination proof with you. 

Avoid Insects as they can transmit diseases such as dengue, leishmaniasis and African tick fever. Do not pet animals as dogs and other mammals can be infected with rabies. Consult your doctor if you want to get a vaccination.

The following vaccinations are required and/or recommended

Yellow fever is required. The vaccination must be administered at least ten days before arrival at a yellow fever vaccination center and registered in an International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis.

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travelers.

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Polio and measles are all recommended. 

Talk to your doctor about whether any of the following vaccinations are recommended for you:

– Typhoid
– Meningococcal ACWY
– Rabies
– Hepatitis B
– Flu
– Pneumococci

Cholera

There is an increased risk of Cholera in Eritrea. Cholera is transmitted through contaminated water, for example through ice or raw food. Cholera can cause severe diarrhea. It is recommended to wash your hands very regularly and to avoid using water of unclear origin.

Malaria and Dengue and Chikungunya fever (dengue fever)

The risk of infection with malaria is high in the coastal strip and lower regions (below 1500m altitude).In these regions, it is strongly recommended to sleep under a mosquito net, use a mosquito repellent product containing DEET and take a prophylactic for short stays. Depending on your general state of health, your doctor will prescribe the most appropriate treatment.

Dengue and Chikungunya fever (dengue fever) can also occur. These diseases, for which there is no vaccine, are transmitted by mosquitoes that bite during the day.

AIDS

There is a strong presence of HIV/AIDS. It is strongly recommended to protect yourself well.

Traveler’s diarrhea

Measures to prevent travelers’ diarrhea such as hand washing and disinfection of drinking water are essential. Prevention or treatment of dehydration (dehydration) is primordial for the treatment of diarrhoea. To prevent dehydration, special saline solutions can be used, available at the pharmacy. It is best to avoid the products sold in local pharmacies, which are usually ineffective or even dangerous.