What is healthcare in Sao Tome and Principe like?

Facilities and Health Information

Medical facilities in São Tomé and Príncipe are extremely limited. There is one hospital in the country on the island of São Tomé, Hospital Central Ayres de Menezes, phone number 239 2-221-222. A few clinics also exist, but the service provided is very basic. For all but minor medical needs, it is necessary to travel to Libreville (Gabon), Lisbon (Portugal), or elsewhere. You should carry an ample supply of properly-labeled prescription drugs and other medications with you; an adequate supply of prescription or over-the-counter drugs in local stores or pharmacies is generally not available.

Cerebral malaria is endemic in all areas of São Tomé and Príncipe. Travelers should discuss prophylaxis with a physician well before planned travel as some prophylactic medications must be started two weeks before arriving in a malarial zone. Even with prophylaxis you should familiarize yourself with the symptoms of malaria and seek medical treatment immediately if you experience symptoms.

Tap water may not be potable and you should drink and cook with bottled water only. Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is endemic to São Tomé and Príncipe. Schistosomiasisis a parasite that can penetrate intact skin of those swimming or bathing in fresh water from lakes, rivers and streams. It is recommended to avoid contact with untreated fresh water to prevent schistosomiasis infection.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an increasingly serious health concern in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Drinking Water Source - % of rural population improved

93.6%

Drinking Water Source - % of total population unimproved

Drinking Water Source - % of urban population improved

98.9%

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

2.9

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.49

Sanitation Facility Access - % of total population unimproved

65.6%

Sanitation Facility Access - % of urban population improved

40.8%

Sanitation Facility Access - % of rural population improved

23.3%

Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

high

Food or Waterborne Disease (s)

bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

Vectorborne Disease (s)

malaria and dengue fever

Water contact disease (s)

schistosomiasis

Disability Access In Sao Tome and Principe

Accessibility

While in São Tomé and Príncipe, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. The law does not prohibit discrimination against those with disabilities, but reported discrimination is rare. The law does not mandate accessibility and it is not provided in most areas.

Disclaimer

You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.

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