Angola Health Care and Vaccinations

Health Care

Full health insurance is essential and should include medical evacuation insurance. There are some hospital facilities in the main towns but, at the moment, adequate medical facilities are virtually non-existent. However, there are some good private clinics in Luanda. Medical treatment is free although often inadequate, and visitors should travel with their own supply of remedies for simple ailments such as stomach upsets, as pharmaceutical supplies are usually extremely difficult to obtain.

Food and Drink

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is advised. Avoid dairy products, which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other Risks

Hepatitis E is widespread and hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Many insect-borne diseases exist all year throughout the country, including urban areas. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Meningitis outbreaks occur. Dengue fever epidemics occur sporadically. Vaccination against tuberculosis is sometimes advised. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.