Sub Saharan Africa

A (H1N1) - Swine Flu

Currently there are no reported cases of Swine Flu in Eritrea, however there are cases in neighbouring countries (Ethiopia/Sudan).  Our Embassy in Asmara receives regular updates from local WHO representative.

There is screening on arrival at Asmara airport and all arriving passengers are required to complete a health questionnaire.  If any passenger declares or exhibits flu-like symptoms they are quarantined at the nominationed isolation hospital, Villagio, whilst tests are done to check for the A (H1N1) virus.  There have been a few suspected cases but so far all have been declared infection free and released from isolation.  Currently the swabs are sent back to the UK for testing as there are no facilities to test for the virus in-country.  There are limited stocks of anti-viral medication (Tamiflu) in-country but it is unclear if passengers would have access to these.  The Embassy would not able to provide Tamiflu.

There is no screening on departure.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The World Health Organisation website has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine flu page on the FCO website.  Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be found on the UK Department of Health website.

General

There is one private and three public hospitals in Asmara.  Public hospitals here and in other towns are often poorly equipped.  Elsewhere medical facilities are even more limited. If you are travelling away from the large towns, we advise that you carry a comprehensive medical pack with you.

If you are taking prescription medicines, you should ensure that you have a sufficient supply for the length of your stay in Eritrea.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 35,000 adults aged 15 or over in Eritrea were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 1.3% 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 Eritrea 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.