Sanitation levels are generally low and travellers are advised not to make use of the health facilities. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers. Travellers need to carry all medications with themselves. Water from the country must be boiled before consumption.

The risk of malaria exists throughout the year. Travellers should avoid mosquito bites at all times by wearing light-coloured clothes that cover the hands and legs. Also, malaria tablets can be quite useful. Hepatitis B, A and E, dysentery, dengue and typhoid are widespread. Lassa fever, spread through rats, is a major problem in rural areas. Swimming in rivers and lakes is not advisable as the contaminated water may cause fungal infections and diseases that can be fatal.