Medical services are adequate throughout Eritrea with 11 hospitals and 9 health centers. Modern facilities may not always be available outside Asmara. The Orota Referral Hospital has 200 beds and gives medical services to people from all over Eritrea with critical conditions. It is fully computerized and hosts the National Health Library. The Central Hospital Makane Hiwet in Asmara, is the most extensive and best equipped. Private doctors and clinics are also available. Sembel dental and polyclinics are housed in the Sembel Residential Complex.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:

It is advisable for visitors to have vaccinations against Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid and Meningitis. Yellow fever vaccinations are also required for all travelers entering Eritrea from infected area.

Food and water Concerns:

Dehydration can hit very quickly, especially in the very hot lowland coastal areas (Massawa, Dahlak Islands, Assab). Drink plenty of water in a timely manner. It is essential to take a big bottle of mineral water on every trip outside Asmara. The water supply in major towns is treated and filtered; yet it should be boiled before drinking. Local and imported bottled mineral water is widely available. Ask for mai or mai gas (carbonated water).

Fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, bread, milk are widely available in Eritrea, cheap and of very good quality. But health experts advise: “Peel it, cook it, boil it, or forget it.” Fruit you have washed and peeled yourself and hot food should be safe, but raw food, cold cooked food and salads and ice-cream are all risky.

Mosquito-borne Diseases:

Malaria is endemic on the coastal plain, in the western lowlands and around Keren (anywhere less then 2000m above sea level), particularly during the rainy season. Protection against mosquito bites should be taken if traveling in the lowlands. There is no malaria risk in Asmara, but the CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Eritrea take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Visitors are also warned against Dengue and Chikungunya.

Prevention:

• Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to manufacturer’s directions.
• Wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
• Pre-soak or spray outer layer clothing and gear with permethrin.
• Ensure that hatch and window screens work properly.

Prescription Drugs:

Basic non-prescription medicines are available in Asmara, but the selection is not large. Supplies of medicine can be irregular. Visitors should bring a supply of any necessary drugs and prescriptions. The pharmacy with the widest selection of medicine is Pharmacy No 1 near the central post office of Asmara.

Emergency Numbers:

Police: 113
Ambulance: 115
Fire: 116

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