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 Equatorial
Guinea, officially known as the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, is
a country located on the west coast of Central Africa. With a
landmass of just 28,000 square kilometers and a population of
approximately 676,000 people, Equatorial Guinea is one of the
smallest countries in Africa and shares borders with Cameroon and
Gabon. Situated just north of the equator, Equatorial Guinea has a
tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. Portugal and
Spain both colonized Equatorial Guinea during the 17th and 18th
centuries and independence from Spain was achieved in 1968. While
indigenous culture has prevailed, there remains a strong Spanish
influence on the local architecture. A number of native languages
and dialects are spoken on a day to day basis although Spanish and
French are the country’s two official languages.
Fishing, forestry and agriculture were, for decades, the backbone
of the local economy. The recent discovery and production of oil
has resulted in Equatorial Guinea becoming one of the wealthiest
countries in Africa. This wealth, however, has been unevenly
distributed with approximately 70 percent of the population still
living below the international poverty line. Numerous attempted
coup d’états aimed at seizing control of the country’s resources
have affected political stability. Successive governments have
been accused of widespread corruption and of carrying out a number
of human rights abuses.
Health care facilities in Equatorial Guinea are basic and many
suffer from poor sanitation levels. Income levels vary greatly and
this disparity has had a direct result on accessibility and the
standard of facilities. As a result, expatriates and other short
term visitors to the country are advised to purchase comprehensive
travel and medical insurance prior to departure. In response to
criticism that the government was neglecting health care, the
Ministry of Health and Social welfare recently announced that it
was investing significant sums of money by building a number of
hospitals throughout the country, the largest of which will be the
state of the art health facility called the La Paz hospital,
located in the country’s most populous city Bata. La Paz is a
joint venture with the Israeli Sheba Medical Center and offers a
full service of expertise in a variety of areas. A number of
health centers are also under construction throughout the country.
Health care funding has in previous years been quite low, with
approximately 1.5 percent of GDP allocated to the health care
budget. This figure accurately represents the lack of health
facilities and medical staff operating in Equatorial Guinea with
only 3 physicians and 5.4 nurses and midwives per 10,000 people.
These figures are considerably short of the levels required to
adequately treat the country’s population. Life expectancy rates
for both males and females are 47 years.
Determined action against tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS has
resulted in some notable successes. Tuberculosis rates are
approximately 63 per 100,000 people and HIV/AIDS rates are 34 per
1,000 adults, both are below the average for the West African
region. Malaria is widespread and has had an adverse effect on the
infant population as a result. The government now believes that
addressing the problem of malaria has led to a 64 percent decrease
in the infant mortality rate. Work remains to be done in a number
of related areas with sanitation levels continuing to be a real
problem with less than 50 percent of the population having access
to clean and safe drinking water.
A large portion of Equatorial Guinea’s total health care funding,
approximately 82 percent, is provided from state funds and
distributed through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Private health insurance is virtually non-existent and a
significant amount of expenditure on the private side comprises
out of pocket contributions. Grants, loans and donations from
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other international
donors comprise approximately 3 percent of the total annual health
spend.
All visitors to Equatorial Guinea are advised to seek medical
advice with regard to the various diseases and viruses prevalent
in the country. A number of vaccinations should be received and
updated if necessary. The Routine vaccination for influenza,
chickenpox (varicella), polio, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and
diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT) is recommended. Vaccinations
for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Polio, Yellow Fever and
Rabies are all advised. Malaria in particular is endemic to all
areas of Equatorial Guinea and there is a real risk of infection.
To reduce this risk, travelers are advised to use prescription
anti-malarial drugs, use insect repellant, wear trousers and long
sleeve shirts at all times and to use disinfected bed nets while
sleeping. Other insect related diseases common to the region
include dengue fever, filariasis, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis
(river blindness) and African trypanosomiasis (African sleeping
sickness). The parasitic infection Schistosomiasis can be
contracted in fresh water and people are advised to avoid swimming
or bathing in fresh water areas.
Expatriates, tourists and other short stay visitors are advised to
carry their passport and travel documentation at all times. In
comparison to its neighbors in the region, crime levels in
Equatorial Guinea are generally low. Petty theft and crimes of
opportunity do occur and visitors are advised to remain cautious
when visiting areas popular with tourists. Valuables, jewelry and
large sums of cash should be kept in a safe location. Counterfeit
and pirated goods are widely available although it should be noted
that possession of these goods may result in the loss of the goods
and a fine. Equatorial Guinea operates a cash only economy.
International credit cards and checks will not be accepted as a
means of payment. Corruption is an everyday occurrence and it is
not uncommon for uniformed members of the police and military to
stop vehicles and request a small bribe. Visitors are advised not
to pay these bribes.
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