🇨🇫 Central African Republic Healthcare Guide
Healthcare infrastructure across the Central African Republic is severely limited, with Bangui's Complexe Pediatrique and a small number of NGO-supported facilities representing the best available care. Outside Bangui, functioning medical facilities are rare, and medication and equipment shortages are widespread. Carrying a comprehensive personal medical kit and your full medication supply, along with having your medical summary saved in French and accessible offline, means you're self-sufficient between the few functioning facilities and can share your history immediately when you reach one.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 112
- Healthcare system: limited
- Average GP visit: $15 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: No
- Language barrier: medium
Healthcare overview
The Central African Republic’s healthcare system is one of the world’s most limited, with ongoing conflict affecting most of the country. Bangui has some functioning facilities, including Hôpital Communautaire and NGO-supported clinics (Médecins Sans Frontières operates in several areas). Outside Bangui, healthcare is effectively unavailable in many regions. Visitors (primarily aid workers) should have a pre-arranged medical evacuation plan.
NGO-supported facilities
MSF and other NGOs operate facilities in Bangui and some conflict-affected areas, providing the most reliable care available.
Evacuation planning required
Any visit to CAR should include a pre-arranged evacuation plan to Douala (Cameroon), Brazzaville (Congo), or Paris.
Vaccinations
Required
- Yellow Fever
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Malaria prophylaxis
- Meningitis
- Rabies
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Bangui has basic pharmacy services, but stock is unreliable. Carry your complete medication supply, including first aid items and any basics you might need. Do not rely on local purchase.
Complete self-sufficiency needed
Pharmacy stock in Bangui is limited and unreliable. Bring everything you could need for the entire stay.
Tips for travellers
Specialist care is unavailable in CAR. Have a clear evacuation route to Douala (Cameroon) or Brazzaville for any serious condition. Having your treatment plan saved and accessible in French helps both local providers and the receiving hospital at your evacuation destination.
Douala and Brazzaville evacuation
Douala and Brazzaville are the two main evacuation destinations, depending on your location and the security corridor available.