Ethiopia

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• Malaria is highly endemic in the country in areas below 1,500 meters, except in Addis Ababa. Strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3).
• The prevalence of HIV is significative; avoid blood transfusions except in case of absolute necessity.
• There has been no recent outbreak of yellow fever but the risk remains.
• A cholera outbreak occurred in 2006-2007, killing several hundreds. Risks are higher when the country is suject to floods.
• The risk of meningitis can not be ruled out, particularly during the dry season in the center and north of the country.
• Cases of tuberculosis are numerous.
• There are cases of animal rabies in the country.
• Diarrheic diseases are very common.

FOOD SAFETY

• Gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions.
• Do not drink tap water and favor bottled mineral water, without ice ; avoid eating ice cream and sherbet.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked dishes, especially meat or fish. If possible, order hot dishes.
• Bring anti-diarrhea medication with you.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before each meal.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND MEDICATION

• Travellers entering the country from an endemic area are required to present a certificate of immunization against yellow fever.
Systematically:
• Yellow fever: the vaccination is available for all children at least one year old.
• Hepatitis A: the vaccination is available for children at least one year old. For persons who were born before 1945, who have spent their childhood in a developing country or who have had an icterus, it may prove useful to search previously for serous antibodies in order to avoid an unnecessary shot.
• Hepatitis B: the vaccination is available for children at least two months old.
• Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis: get a booster shot before leaving if your last shot is more than ten years old.



Depending on the duration and conditions of the trip:
• Typhoid fever: if the stay is occurring in precarious hygiene condition. The immunization is available for children at least 2 years old.
• Rabies: recommended for long stays in isolation. The immunization should be given to children as soon as they are able to walk.
• It may be recommended to get immunized against bacterial meningitis A + C + W135, as these may affect pilgrams coming back from Mecca.
• Tuberculosis: in case of a long stay, it is recommended to have children immunized against tuberculosis as soon as they reach the age of one month, and against mumps, measles and rubella when they reach the age of nine months.
• Recommended chemoprophylaxis against malaria: mefloquine (commercial name: Lariam) or doxycycline (commercial name: Doxypalu).

HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURES

Addis Ababa
• Dr. Tofik Idris (English-speaking), council for the French Embassy: phone + 251 1/011* 465 1666 ou 0911 408 302 (portable)
• Balcha Hospital: phone + 251 1/011* 551 4072, fax + 251 1/011* 551 6263
• St Gabriel Hospital: phone + 251 1/011* 661 3622
• Hayat Hospital: phone + 251 1/011* 662 4488
• Swedish Clinic: phone + 251 1/011* 371 0768, fax + 251 1/011* 371 3363
• Myung Sung International Medical Center (Korean hospital): phone + 251 1/011* 629 2963
• British Embassy Clinic, Fikre Mariam Abatechan Street: phone + 251 1/011* 115 7954, fax + 251 1/011* 161 4154
• Noble Higher Clinic: phone + 251 1/011 112 5363, fax + 251 1/011* 151 3099
• Sun Shine Clinic: phone + 251 1/011 160 0092, fax + 251 1/011* 160 0092
• * : from abroad, dial + 251 1 then the number you are trying to reach; from Ethiopia, dial 011 then the number you are trying to reach.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Police: 1 110 055
• Ambulances: 1 613 622

CLIMATE

• Western and Eastern Ethiopia are blistering in the summer; only the central plateau is more temperate (mild temperatures during the day, chilly at night).
• The rain season begins mid-June to end mid-September. Small rains also occur in March and April.
• When to go: between October and May.