Where can you give birth in Djibouti?
The CHU de Djibouti runs three maternity units open 24/7, and the CNSS has its own in Arta. Privately, Clinique Aden and Al Rahma hospital, which has a CNSS agreement, handle births.
Visit your chosen maternity unit before the eighth month: find the emergency entrance, and ask which papers to bring and what it costs.
| Maternity unit | Area | Sector | Phone | Known price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dar El Hanan Hospital (CHU), obstetric emergencies | Boulaos | Public, 24/7 | +253 21 35 17 38 | Delivery 30,000 DJF, caesarean 50,000 DJF |
| Cheiko Hospital (CHU) | Balbala, Route nationale 1 | Public, 24/7 | +253 21 36 08 38 | Ask at reception |
| CNRSR Housseina (CHU) | Hodan, Balbala | Public, 24/7 | +253 21 35 07 50 | Consultation with ultrasound 6,000 DJF |
| Arta regional hospital | Arta | CNSS, emergencies 24/7 | +253 21 33 18 73 | Ask at reception |
| Al Rahma Hospital | Hodan, Balbala | CNSS agreement, maternity 24/7 | +253 21 36 41 13 | Ask for a quote |
| Clinique Aden | Héron (24/7) and route de la Siesta | Private | +253 21 25 32 32 | Ask for a quote |
How much does it cost to give birth in Djibouti?
In Ministry of Health facilities (Dar El Hanan, polyclinics, health centres), the official 2017 fees set a delivery at 30,000 DJF with a 24-hour stay, and a caesarean at 50,000 DJF with 3 days. At Dar El Hanan, a day in neonatal care costs 25,000 DJF and a consultation 6,000 DJF.
AMU or PASS card holders are covered there. Private facilities set their own prices and must display them: ask for a quote well before your due date.
How do you arrange antenatal care?
WHO recommends at least eight antenatal contacts, the first before 12 weeks, and an ultrasound before 24 weeks. In public facilities, rubella, toxoplasmosis, HIV and syphilis blood tests are free, and the national schedule includes a tetanus-diphtheria vaccine in pregnancy.
In Djibouti City, Medyc arranges a home visit by a doctor or a nurse, from 5,000 DJF, during pregnancy and after the birth, and an appointment with a partner gynaecologist.
- Clinique Affi, Salines Ouest (+253 21 35 74 74)
- Obstetrics and gynaecology, Sunday to Thursday 8 am–12 pm and 4–8 pm.
- Clinique Le Héron, Héron (+253 21 34 55 13)
- Obstetrics and gynaecology, emergencies 24/7.
How long is maternity leave?
26 weeks for employees registered with the CNSS, paid by the CNSS and partly by the employer. The pregnancy certificate for the claim can only be issued by CNSS gynaecologists, even if you are followed elsewhere. The steps are in our CNSS and AMU guide.
Which signs in pregnancy mean calling 119?
At any stage of pregnancy, call 119 or go to the obstetric emergency unit at Dar El Hanan if you notice any of these signs:
- Bleeding or leaking fluid.
- Severe stomach pain.
- A bad headache with vision changes.
- Seizures.
- Fever: in Djibouti, think of malaria and dengue too.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Baby moving less.
Your questions, answered
How much does a hospital birth cost in Djibouti?
In Ministry of Health facilities, 30,000 DJF with a 24-hour stay, and 50,000 DJF for a caesarean with 3 days (official 2017 fees). Ask for the current price at reception.
Which hospital for an emergency in pregnancy in Djibouti?
Dar El Hanan Hospital, in Boulaos, has an obstetric emergency theatre open 24/7. At the first serious sign, call 119.
Can I give birth in a private clinic in Djibouti?
Yes: Clinique Aden has delivery rooms and neonatal care, and Al Rahma hospital has a maternity unit open 24/7. Ask for the price before your due date.
Who issues the pregnancy certificate for the CNSS?
Only CNSS gynaecologists, even if your antenatal appointments take place elsewhere.
What should I pack in my hospital bag?
ID, CNSS card, AMU or PASS card, pregnancy record, test and scan results, and the number of the person coming with you.
Sources & further reading
- CHU de Djibouti: Dar El Hanan hospital
- CHU de Djibouti: the CHU hospitals
- CNSS: Arta regional hospital
- CNSS: maternity allowance and 26-week leave
- Official Journal: Decree 2017-114/PR/MS, Ministry of Health facility fees
- Official Journal: Decree 2024-219/PR/MS, private health facilities (price display)
- Clinique Aden: obstetrics and neonatal care
- Al Rahma Hospital: 24-hour services
- U.S. Embassy Djibouti: Medical Assistance
- WHO: antenatal care recommendations
- WHO: Djibouti vaccination schedule (pregnant women)
- CDC: urgent maternal warning signs (HEAR HER)
- CHU de Djibouti: contact and 119 (SMUR)
- Medyc: hospitals in Djibouti
- Medyc: CNSS and AMU in Djibouti
This guide explains how to organise care. It does not provide a diagnosis or individual medical advice. How we write our guides
