Liberia
The origin of Liberia is quite unusual, as the West African country was founded by freed American and Caribbean slaves, brought there over the years instead of being repatriated to their original country. As a result, Liberia’s culture is very rich. The nation is especially famous for its textile art and quilting skills. Liberia has less natural wonders than its neighbors, but the country has some notable National Parks home to a rich fauna. Liberia was largely frequented by tourists in the past, but bloody civil wars closed its doors to visitors and made them stay well away. The country has unfortunately not recovered yet and is still unsure.
HEALTH INFORMATION
We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.
For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.
LIBERIA – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Typhoid fever | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine | Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): 1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec. |
| Polio | One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult (after 18 years old only). |
| Measles – Rubella – Mumps | Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given. |
| Cholera | For humanitarian workers and health care providers. |
| The Yellow Fever Vaccine | A proof of vaccination against yellow fever may be required upon entry in to this country. Some travellers may not be eligible to receive this vaccine. Please enquire with your health care professional regarding your specific details. It is important to note that the vaccine should be administered at least 10 days prior to your departure. For further information, please consult with the World Health Organization (WHO) website: https://www.who.int/ith/ith- |
| Flu – Influenza | Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure. |
| Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) | Recommended for all travelers |
| Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention – Rabies | For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats, dogs and other mammals. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated. |
| Schistosomiasis | Avoid swimming in fresh water. |
| Ebola | Wash your hands frequently. Avoid contact with biological fluids from someone who is infected. Don’t touch any wild animal. |
| Turista – Traveler’s Diarrhea (ETEC) | Talk to your health care professional about the risks and precautionary measures to take, as well as the Dukoral® vaccine. Important to note that the Dukoral vaccine is an oral vaccine given in 2 doses, recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure. |
| Malaria | Malaria is present in this country. The risk may be region specific. Prophylaxis measures to be discussed with the health care professional. |
| Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and/or Zika | There are many illnesses that are transmitted via mosquito bites and unfortunately we do not have vaccines to protect us against most of them. It is important to inquire with your healthcare professional regarding the specific risks and the different illnesses presently in circulation. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antimalarials Recommended | Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
Liberia’s health care system seriously suffers from the lack of trained medical staff, a dilapidated infrastructure, shortages of medicines and archaic medical equipment. It is one of the worst countries in Africa regarding medical care quality. The main hospital facility in the country is the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, located in Monrovia, the capital. The St Joseph’s Catholic Hospital is also renowned in Liberia. But don’t expect good medical care. Be prepared to pay all the medicals fees and treatments in cash. In case of medical complications or serious injuries, an evacuation to another country, like South Africa for example, is required. But be aware that such an operation can be hard and sometimes impossible, due to the lack of fast and efficient emergency transports in Liberia.
In case of emergency, call 911.
Quality medicines can be hard to find, so be sure to bring your own medical supplies in sufficient quantities.
SECURITY ABROAD
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs in high-density public areas, particularly in markets.
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
Emergency services exist but police have very limited capacity to respond to emergencies.
In case of emergency, contact the Liberia National Police at +231 777-800-911 or dial 911.
