What is healthcare in Eritrea like?

Facilities and Health Information

Medical facilities and physicians in Eritrea are limited. In 2010, the Eritrean government closed all private medical clinics and laboratories. Travelers should carry their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventative medicines because pharmaceuticals may be in short supply. Food and water-borne illnesses are very common among travelers, so drink only bottled or purified water and eat foods that are cooked or peeled. Malaria and dengue fever are serious risks to travelers in the lowlands of Eritrea, particularly during the rainy season (November to February). One of the worst dengue fever outbreaks in recent Eritrean history occurred during the winter of 2009-10 in Massawa. Asmara, because of its altitude, is generally considered free of these mosquito-borne illnesses. Travelers to the lowlands are urged to carry mosquito repellent and mosquito nets, especially during the rainy season.

Drinking Water Source - % of rural population improved

56.7%

Drinking Water Source - % of total population unimproved

39.8%

Drinking Water Source - % of urban population improved

73.7%

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.8%

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

People Living with HIV/AIDS

25,000

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.05

Sanitation Facility Access - % of total population unimproved

86.8%

Sanitation Facility Access - % of urban population improved

51.6%

Sanitation Facility Access - % of rural population improved

3.5%

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

Disability Access In Eritrea

Accessibility

While in Eritrea, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation limited, although the government is committed to equal access for the handicapped. Eritrea is not able to comply with ADA standards but there are more accommodations for handicapped persons in Eritrea than in most developing countries. The majority of persons using wheelchairs do so in the streets rather than on the sidewalks, due to lack of sidewalks. Pedestrians must also often walk on the street for the same reason.

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