The Federal Government has warned Nigerians with pre-existing medical conditions to take precautions when travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following 16 deaths involving Nigerians transiting through the city this year, reportedly linked to complications associated with high altitude.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed and released by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, and issued in Abuja on Friday.
The ministry said the deaths were recorded by Nigeria’s Diplomatic Mission in Addis Ababa, noting that the city is located 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.
It explained that Addis Ababa’s high altitude could pose health risks because “lower atmospheric pressure results in reduced oxygen availability”.
“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.
The government consequently advised Nigerians with medical conditions that could be worsened 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, clarified that the advisory was not intended to discourage Nigerians from travelling to 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 also urged travellers to make informed decisions, particularly where existing medical conditions could increase their vulnerability during journeys.
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