Comoros — a state located between Madagascar and the southeast coast of Africa, includes a group of three islands with a total population of 651,901 people: Grand Comore, Moheli, and Anjouan. As in other parts of sub-Saharan Africa, lack of safe drinking water, poor sanitation, child malnutrition, high prevalence of malaria and HIV, cholera, and tuberculosis have all been major causes of health problems in Comoros. Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, among others, are also of great concern.

It is worth noting that medical facilities in Comoros are limited and do not meet international standards. Public hospitals are in poor condition, lack qualified medical personnel, and lack medical supplies and equipment.

Private clinics are preferred for those who can afford them. Services and treatment here are of high quality. But, unfortunately, private medical centers often do not "survive" due to the high cost of care and lack of patients. In addition, there are often frequent interruptions in the supply of water and electricity, which can affect the operation of many hospitals.

In addition to all of the above, the country has very few bilateral partners and international support in the field of medicine, which puts Comoros at a disadvantage in terms of financial stability. For a very long time, the health system of the islands was in a state of severe crisis. Over time, assistance in the medical field was resumed by France, and other neighboring states, which also provide support to the young country. Thus, the intervention of the government of Comoros in the field of public health has become a top priority today.

Features of treatment abroad in Comoros: in which clinics can I get help?

Several medical institutions in Comoros provide medical care and treatment to patients. Doctors, nurses, specialists, and volunteers help provide everyone with the best possible care possible. Consider some of the hospitals located in Comoros that provide medical services at a normal level:

1. Hospital De Domoni. This is a hospital located in Domoni on Anjouan (Ndzuani). The lead serves the city of Domoni and surrounding areas. A place to go with any health problem or emergency. Here you can always find narrow specialists, doctors, and pediatricians who will immediately help.

2. Hospital Center De Fomboni, located in the city of Moheli. This institution provides quality treatment with specialized doctors, staff, and modern equipment, as well as patient care for a long time.

3. Comoros Peace Corps. This is a non-governmental organization in the city of Moroni, which helps residents with various health-related issues. There will always be specialists, doctors, and humanitarian workers who do their best to take care of the locals and not only.

Recommendations for foreigners: protecting the health and the importance of insurance

In Comoros, like most African countries, there is a risk of contracting typical infectious diseases: malaria, yellow fever, chikungunya, and dengue. Thus, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive medical examination with your doctor in advance and be vaccinated against tetanus, typhoid fever, and hepatitis A and B. Given the wide spread of malaria, there is a need to take a course on antimalarial drugs and take special mosquito repellents on the road.

Taking into account the difficult epidemiological situation in Comoros, those planning travel and tourism here should take out an international health insurance policy in advance. The insurance policy must be with sufficient coverage for treatment abroad, especially in the current conditions associated with COVID-19. Another condition is that the term of validity of the insurance should not end earlier than the period of stay in the country. In addition, such a policy should include evacuation services in case it becomes necessary to move to another country or return home for treatment.

You can purchase medical insurance on the website, where you can choose this service of several categories, as well as get travel insurance with covid coverage. Thus, treatment abroad services are not provided directly at the local hospital in Comoros, but through the host, the company indicated in the health insurance. This is a guarantee of a calm and safe trip, where you do not have to worry about how to pay any bills as a result of a sudden deterioration in health.

It is very difficult to find pharmacies in Comoros, and medicines are usually in short supply. Do not forget to take enough necessary drugs with you, especially if you have chronic diseases.