Sub Saharan Africa

Medical facilities are poor.  Pharmacies in Malabo and Bata stock basic medication. Emergency facilities are extremely limited.  For serious medical treatment, evacuation to Europe would be necessary.

 

Malaria, cholera and water-borne diseases are common in Equatorial Guinea.

 

Food purchased from local street vendors may not meet adequate hygiene standards.  You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.  If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Equatorial Guinea you should seek immediate medical attention.

 

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 9,800 adults aged 15 or over in Equatorial Guinea were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 3.4% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Equatorial Guinea and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of  NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health.