Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
surance company might be able to help locate the nearest hospital or clinic, or you can ask
at your hotel. In an emergency, contact your embassy or consulate.
Membership of the
African Medical & Research Foundation
(Amref;
www.amref.org
)
provides an air evacuation service in medical emergencies in many
African countries, including Ethiopia and Djibouti. It also provides air-ambulance trans-
fers between medical facilities. Money paid by members for this service goes into provid-
ing grassroots medical assistance for local people.
Recommended Vaccinations
The
World Health Organization
(
www.who.int
)
recommends that all travellers be
covered for diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio, as well as for hepatitis
B, regardless of their destination. The consequences of these diseases can be severe, and
outbreaks of them do occur.
According to the
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
(
www.cdc.gov
)
, the fol-
lowing vaccinations are recommended for all parts of Africa: hepatitis A, hepatitis B,
meningococcal meningitis, rabies and typhoid, and boosters for tetanus, diphtheria and
measles. Proof of yellow-fever vaccination is mandatory for travel to Ethiopia. Depending
on where you've travelled from, cholera vaccination may also be required.
Medical Checklist
It's a very good idea to carry a medical and first-aid kit with you, to help yourself in the
case of minor illness or injury. Following is a list of items you should consider packing.
»Acetaminophen (paracetamol) or aspirin
»Acetazolamide (Diamox) for altitude sickness (prescription only)
»Adhesive or paper tape
»Antibacterial ointment (eg Bactroban) for cuts and abrasions (prescription only)
»Antibiotics (see your medical-health professional for the most useful ones to bring)
»Antidiarrhoeal drugs (eg loperamide)
»Antihistamines (for hayfever and allergic reactions)
»Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg ibuprofen)
»Antimalaria pills
