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Health & Safety

Staying healthy and safe during your Ethiopian adventure

Emergency Contacts

Police

991

General emergency

Ambulance

907

Medical emergency

Fire

939

Fire emergency

Tourist Police

+251 11 552 8277

Specialized assistance for tourists

Red Cross

+251 11 551 6322

Emergency medical assistance

Quick Health Tips

Stay Hydrated

Drink 3+ liters of water daily at altitude

Travel Insurance

Essential - must include medical evacuation

Medical Kit

Bring personal medications and basic first aid

Safety Tips

  • Keep valuables in hotel safe
  • Use registered taxis at night
  • Carry photocopy of passport
  • Register with your embassy

Vaccinations & Medical Requirements

Vaccination
Required
Recommended
Notes
Yellow Fever
Required if arriving from infected area
Yes for all travelers
Certificate required for entry from certain countries
Hepatitis A
No
Yes
Recommended for all travelers
Typhoid
No
Yes
Recommended for most travelers, especially if visiting rural areas
Hepatitis B
No
For extended stays
Consider for stays longer than 6 months
Rabies
No
For adventure travelers
Consider if spending time around animals
Meningitis
No
For dry season travel
Consider during dry season (Dec-Jun)

Note: Consult with a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before your trip. Requirements may change based on your itinerary and health status.

Health Precautions

Food & Water

  • Drink only bottled or purified water
  • Avoid ice in drinks
  • Eat well-cooked food
  • Peel fruits yourself
  • Avoid raw vegetables

Altitude Sickness

  • Ascend gradually if possible
  • Stay hydrated
  • Avoid alcohol for first 48 hours
  • Consider acetazolamide if prone to AMS
  • Descend if symptoms worsen

Malaria Prevention

  • Take antimalarial medication (consult doctor)
  • Use DEET-based insect repellent
  • Sleep under mosquito nets
  • Wear long sleeves in evenings
  • Malaria risk varies by region and season

Medical Facilities

Addis Ababa

Black Lion Hospital

+251 11 552 2828

Public hospital with emergency services

St. Gabriel General Hospital

+251 11 663 3434

Private hospital with good facilities

Myungsung Christian Medical Center

+251 11 629 5000

International standard hospital

Regional Cities

Gondar University Hospital

+251 58 111 0140

Serves northern tourist circuit

Hawassa Referral Hospital

+251 46 220 2020

Serves southern regions

Mekelle Hospital

+251 34 440 4040

Serves Tigray region

Travel Insurance is Essential

Medical facilities outside Addis Ababa may be basic. Serious illnesses or injuries may require evacuation to Addis Ababa or your home country.

Your insurance MUST cover:

  • Medical evacuation by air ambulance
  • Repatriation of remains
  • Treatment for altitude sickness
  • All adventure activities you plan to do
  • Trip cancellation and interruption

Common Health Issues

Altitude Sickness

Symptoms

Headache, nausea, dizziness

Prevention

Ascend gradually, stay hydrated

Treatment

Descend, rest, medication

Traveler's Diarrhea

Symptoms

Loose stools, cramps

Prevention

Safe food/water practices

Treatment

Hydration, medication

Sun Exposure

Symptoms

Sunburn, dehydration

Prevention

Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses

Treatment

Aloe vera, hydration

Insect Bites

Symptoms

Itching, swelling

Prevention

Repellent, proper clothing

Treatment

Antihistamines, topical cream