Following the death of 16 Nigerians in Addis Ababa this year, the Federal Government has advised Nigerians, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions, to exercise caution and seek appropriate medical advice when planning journeys involving transit through the city.
This was contained in a travel advisory issued by the Spokesperson to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi on Saturday.
“Addis Ababa is situated approximately 2,355 metres (7,726 feet) above sea level, where lower atmospheric pressure results in reduced oxygen availability. 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.
“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”, Adeniyi said.
He advised Nigerians with pre-existing health conditions that can be exacerbated by high-altitudes to exercise caution when planning journeys that involve transit through Addis Ababa. Travellers with underlying medical conditions were also urged to obtain appropriate medical guidance before undertaking such
journeys.
The Federal Government emphasised that the advisory was not intended to discourage Nigerians from transiting through or travelling to Addis Ababa. 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 Federal Government places high premium on the health, safety and wellbeing of Nigerians and therefore urges all travellers to make informed decisions and take appropriate precautions, particularly where existing medical conditions may increase their vulnerability during travels.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to providing timely information and guidance to Nigerians travelling abroad as part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard their welfare and promote their safety”, the advisory concluded.
