FG WARNS NIGERIANS WITH UNDERLYING HEALTH CONDITIONS OVER ETHIOPIA TRIPS AFTER 16 DEATHS
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
The Federal Government has cautioned Nigerians with pre-existing medical conditions against travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, without taking necessary precautions, following 16 deaths involving Nigerians transiting through the city this year, reportedly linked to high-altitude-related health complications.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, and issued in Abuja on Friday.
According to the ministry, the deaths were recorded by Nigeria’s Diplomatic Mission in Addis Ababa, which is situated approximately 2,355 metres (7,726 feet) above sea level.
“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,” the statement said.
The ministry explained that the city’s high altitude could pose health risks because “lower atmospheric pressure results in reduced oxygen availability”.
It added that while healthy individuals could generally adapt to lower oxygen levels in high-altitude environments, people with certain underlying medical conditions could face increased 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 statement added.
Consequently, the government advised Nigerians with medical conditions that could be aggravated by high altitude to exercise caution when planning journeys involving transit through the Ethiopian capital.
It also urged travellers with underlying health conditions to “obtain appropriate medical guidance before undertaking such journeys”.
The ministry, however, stressed that the advisory was not intended to discourage Nigerians from visiting or transiting through Addis Ababa.
“The Federal Government wishes to emphasise that this advisory is not intended to discourage Nigerians from transiting through or travelling to Addis Ababa,” it said.
“Rather, it aims to ensure that persons who may be medically vulnerable to the physiological effects of high altitudes are adequately informed and encouraged to take necessary precautions before embarking on their journeys.”
The government further urged travellers to make informed decisions and consider their health conditions before embarking on journeys that could expose them to increased risks.
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