Health services

Health Declaration Form

This form must be filled not more than three days before traveling. Select the option: “Vaccinated Covid-19 Traveller” and fill the form.

Health Update

The focus of this update is the health side of preparations for the 2022 Annual Meetings in Accra, Ghana, from 23 to 27 May.

While we understand that the reported success of Covid-19 vaccinations and other measures have led to many countries, including our host country Ghana, easing restrictions, we at the African Development Bank remain vigilant due to the recent flare-up of new Covid-19 infections in parts of the world.

The risks from Covid-19 remain very high, especially during events such as our upcoming Annual Meetings. We are taking your health very seriously. We want to protect you, so that you can protect others, including your family and the people around you. It is everybody’s personal responsibility to protect themselves and the next person. Nobody is safe against Covid-19, until we are all safe from it.  

For this reason, we will implement the following mandatory actions to ensure zero Covid-19 risk during our 2022 Annual Meetings.

1. Ensure compliance to mandatory full vaccination against Covid-19 for all delegates and service providers.
2. Provide N95 face masks to be worn at all times by all persons at the Accra International Conference Center (AICC).
3. Conduct mandatory daily Covid-19 rapid testing for all participants and service providers.
4. Facilitate strict and regular hand hygiene for all delegates and service providers through the provision of alcohol-based hand sanitizers in all Annual Meetings venues and hotels.
5. Reinforce strict decontamination and disinfection of all vehicles and conference center surfaces, including doors, walls, microphones, tabletops.
6. A comprehensive team of public health protection workers will be on hand to assist you, to enforce these measures, and offer care to anybody in the event of a health issue.
7. All delegates and service providers are reminded that they MUST have valid medical insurance coverage that includes treatment for Covid-19. Meetings organizers will not be responsible for the consequences to any delegate or service provider who fail to comply with this recommendation.
8. The rest of the advice below remains relevant.

Doctors on call

Health services in Ghana comply with relevant standards, and the African Development Bank can manage medical situations of all kinds. Health services during the 2022 Annual Meetings will be organized as follows:

• Medical centers will provide primary health care at the Accra International Conference Center, where services will be jointly offered by medical teams from the African Development Bank, African Union Medical Services, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Ghana Health Services, in close collaboration with the national ambulance service.
• We have identified medical facilities with outstanding specialized care services. Everyone at the conference center, or in the main hotels accommodating participants during the Annual Meetings, may access these facilities directly or through the emergency ambulance services.
• Recommended hospitals and clinics are: Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), 37 Military Hospital, University of Ghana Medical Center (UGMC) and the Bank Hospital. Medical doctors will be on call at the main hotels throughout the duration of the meetings in the event of a medical emergency after business hours. Ambulances will be available at hotels and the Accra International Conference Center for emergencies.

Medical information

Travelers are advised to visit their doctor at least one week before traveling for advice on necessary vaccinations and medical safety during the mission, particularly persons with ongoing treatment, as well as to identify their needs at their destination and during activities.

Useful vaccinations, depending on individual risk:

• Viral hepatitis A: Exposure to hepatitis A can occur by ingesting contaminated food or water. A single dose of hepatitis A vaccine offers protection for six months; a series of two doses gives protection for longer (nearly 10 years).
• Viral hepatitis B: Exposure is through contact with blood or body fluids and/or contaminated materials or unprotected sex. A single dose of hepatitis B vaccine offers protection for six months. Three doses, spaced one month apart, provide protection for 10 years or more.
• Typhoid: Exposure occurs through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Typhoid vaccination is valid for three years.
• Tetanus: exposure typically occurs through accidents leading to open wounds or injuries.
• Rabies: Exposure occurs through animal bites. If you have not been vaccinated or are allergic, bring an explanatory letter from your doctor.

Anti-malarial drugs

Malaria is present in Ghana and transmitted by the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are most likely to bite between dusk and dawn. The following measures can prevent exposure and provide appropriate care in the event of exposure:

• Malaria prevention medications. Medical centers have drugs that can be taken weekly. Visit a medical center or see your healthcare professional for advice.
• Insect repellent (cream, lotion, or spray) on exposed parts of the body. Wear trousers and long sleeves to prevent mosquito bites.
• Sleep in rooms with good air conditioning and/or use insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
• Remain indoors or use air conditioning when mosquitoes are most likely to bite (dusk to dawn).
• Spray rooms with effective anti-flying-insect products.
• Consult a health professional immediately if you suspect the symptoms of malaria, which include, but are not limited to: fever, chills, sweats, headaches, muscle soreness, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. These symptoms occur at least seven to nine days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. See a doctor immediately if you develop a fever or illness during your journey.

Malaria can be treated successfully if diagnosed and managed effectively and early but can also lead to severe complications if treatment is delayed. Travelers can develop malaria up to one year after returning from a malaria area, even with protective measures. See a doctor without delay if you develop a fever in the year following your return and tell your doctor about your journey.

Other items to take with you on any trip

Prescribed daily medications. Ensure an adequate supply for your entire trip. Keep them in their original prescription packaging and in your hand luggage. Follow the security instructions if your medicines are liquids.

Small quantities of medications for minor illnesses, such as pain, food poisoning, etc.

After your return

Continue to take your anti-malaria medication as prescribed by your doctor, as most of these drugs need to be taken for at least one week after leaving Ghana. If you feel unwell, see your doctor immediately and mention that you have recently travelled to sub-Saharan Africa. Also, tell your doctor if you have been bitten or scratched by an animal or have had any cuts or open wounds while traveling.