The Federal Government has advised Nigerians with certain underlying health conditions to take precautions when travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following the reported deaths of 16 citizens in the city this year.
The warning was contained in a travel advisory released on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry said Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in the Ethiopian capital had documented the deaths, which were reportedly connected to health complications arising from the city’s high-altitude environment.
The government specifically urged people with cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses to consult medical professionals before booking flights that involve stopovers in Addis Ababa.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the city is located about 2,355 metres above sea level. At this elevation, reduced atmospheric pressure and lower oxygen levels could create health challenges for people with certain pre-existing conditions.
The advisory stated, “This year, Nigeria’s Diplomatic Mission in Addis Ababa has recorded 16 deaths involving Nigerians transiting through the city, reportedly linked to health complications associated with high altitudes.”
It noted that while most healthy travellers could adjust to lower oxygen levels at high altitudes, people living with certain medical conditions might face greater risks.
“While healthy individuals are generally able to adapt to reduced oxygen levels in high-altitude environments, persons with certain pre-existing medical ailments, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, may experience increased health risks in such conditions,” the ministry said.
The ministry therefore urged Nigerians whose health conditions could be affected by high-altitude environments to carefully consider their travel arrangements, particularly when selecting flights with stopovers in the Ethiopian capital.
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However, it clarified that the advisory was not a restriction on travelling to Addis Ababa or using the city as a transit point.
“The Federal Government wishes to emphasise that this advisory is not intended to discourage Nigerians from transiting through or travelling to Addis Ababa,” the statement added.
The government said its intention was to make travellers aware of possible health risks and encourage those who might be vulnerable to seek appropriate medical guidance before embarking on their journeys.
The ministry also reiterated its commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians living or travelling abroad, urging citizens to make informed travel decisions, especially when dealing with existing health conditions.