Ethiopia
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Dial 907 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccinations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip check:
- the latest information on health risks and what vaccinations you need in TravelHealthPro’s Ethiopia guide
- where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Ethiopia, including Addis Ababa. TravelHealthPro’s altitude sickness guidance has more information.
Other health risks
UK health authorities have classified Ethiopia as having a risk of Zika virus transmission.
Malaria is common in areas of the country below 2,000 metres above sea level. Addis Ababa sits at 2,400 metres but a number of sites popular with tourists are below 2,000.
Bilharzia is present in the vast majority of lakes in Ethiopia – check before swimming.
Water-borne diseases are common. Drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.
There is an ongoing outbreak of cholera in the south of Ethiopia, and new cases have been reported in the north west of the country.
For more information and advice on health risks in Ethiopia, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.
Healthcare facilities in Ethiopia
Only private hospitals in Addis Ababa offer a reasonable standard of basic care for minor health problems. Dentistry is especially scarce. Ambulance services are also limited. Outside the capital, medical facilities are extremely poor. Carry a comprehensive medical pack when travelling out of Addis Ababa.
FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Ethiopia.
COVID-19 healthcare in Ethiopia
There are private healthcare facilities used by the international community with the capability to respond to COVID-19, but capacity is limited.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.