Vaccination against cholera is required if you have visited a cholera-infected area within 6 days prior to arrival in Ethiopia. A yellow fever certificate is no longer mandatory for Ethiopia but it might be required when you arrive from a country where the disease is endemic.
Malaria is absent from big parts of Ethiopia due to high altitude but it does occur in lower areas like Awash Valley, Rift Valley, Omo Valley, and Gambella. Outbreaks of malaria are also known from around Bahir Dar, but the town itself is usually malaria free. Addis Ababa, Gondar, Simien Mountains, Axum, Lalibela, Harar, and the Danakil are reported malaria free.
Consult your doctor for detailed advice about malaria prophylactics prescription and recommended immunizations.
There are private clinics in most major towns but in general, the standards of treatment are limited. Pharmacies carry a range of medicines but we recommend bringing all required medicines with you.
Don’t forget a simple first aid pack, which could include: different size plasters and bandages, antiseptic cream, anti-histamine cream and/or tablets for insect bites, preferred painkiller, anti-diarrhea tablets (e.g. containing loperamide), high factor protection sunscreen and insect repellent.