Is there malaria in Djibouti City?
Yes, all year and in every region, the capital included. The most dangerous parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, causes 60–70% of cases; P. vivax causes 30–40%.
The reason is Anopheles stephensi, a mosquito from Asia first found in Djibouti in 2012. It thrives in cities and breeds in stored water: tanks, jerrycans, air-conditioner drip water, tyres. Cases rose from 27 in 2012 to more than 73,000 in 2020.
What are the symptoms of malaria?
Fever, chills and headache, sometimes aches or vomiting: it feels like flu. Symptoms usually start 10 to 15 days after the bite.
After a trip, any fever in the 3 months after you get back, or even later, needs a malaria test: say where you travelled. P. vivax can relapse months after the first attack.
Children, pregnant women and travellers are more likely to get severe malaria. If you see any of these signs, call 119:
- Confusion, unusual drowsiness or loss of consciousness.
- Seizures.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
- Unusual bleeding or extreme exhaustion.
Where can I get a malaria test today?
The test looks for the parasite in a drop of blood (blood smear or rapid test). It is free in Ministry of Health facilities; in private labs, ask the price first.
| Place | Area | Hours | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peltier Hospital (CHU), emergencies | Plateau du Serpent | 24/7 | +253 21 35 09 62 |
| Cheiko Hospital (CHU) | Balbala | 24/7 | +253 21 36 08 38 |
| Al Rahma Hospital, laboratory | Hodan, Balbala | 24/7 | +253 21 36 41 13 |
| CNSS care centre (members) | Boulevard de Gaulle | Emergencies 24/7 | +253 21 33 18 60 |
| SOM Clinique | Rue d’Athènes | 7 am–11 pm | +253 21 33 50 15 |
| Abdan laboratory | Salines Ouest | Sat–Thu 7:30 am–12:30 pm and 4:30–7 pm | +253 21 35 03 60 |
| Mutualis medical centre | Rue de Genève | Call first | +253 21 25 02 37 |
How is malaria treated?
Treatment follows a positive test, on prescription, chosen by parasite, age, weight and pregnancy. In Djibouti the parasite resists some older medicines, so a box left over at home may not work.
No leftover tablets from a relative, no street medicines. Finish the course, and go back if the fever does not come down, or if the test was negative but the fever goes on.
In Djibouti City, Medyc arranges a home visit by a doctor or a nurse, from 5,000 DJF.
How do I protect my home?
The urban mosquito breeds in water kept at home. Travellers should also see a doctor before leaving about preventive tablets.
- Sleep under an insecticide-treated net, children too.
- Cover tanks and jerrycans; empty air-conditioner trays, tyres and containers.
- Use repellent on bare skin and wear long sleeves in the evening.
Your questions, answered
Is the malaria test free in Djibouti?
Yes, in Ministry of Health facilities (official 2017 fees). In private labs, ask the price before the test.
Can I take malaria treatment without a test?
No. Only a test confirms malaria, and the treatment depends on the parasite, your age, weight and any pregnancy. See a doctor the same day.
How long after a trip to Djibouti can malaria show up?
Usually 10 to 15 days after the bite, sometimes months later with P. vivax. Get any fever tested after the trip.
Do I need malaria tablets for Djibouti?
The CDC and the Institut Pasteur recommend them for travellers. See a doctor several weeks before you leave: they choose the medicine.
Is there a malaria season in Djibouti?
No: cases are recorded all year. A fever in the cooler months needs a test too.
Sources & further reading
- WHO: “Mosquito on the move”, Anopheles stephensi and Djibouti
- WHO: malaria fact sheet
- CDC, Emerging Infectious Diseases: Anopheles stephensi in Djibouti, 2018–2021
- CDC: Djibouti, traveler view (malaria)
- CDC: clinical features of malaria and relapses (P. vivax, P. ovale)
- Institut Pasteur: Djibouti country sheet
- France Diplomatie: Djibouti, health
- Official Journal: Decree 2017-114/PR/MS, Ministry of Health facility fees
- CHU de Djibouti: contact and 119 (SMUR)
- Medyc: laboratories in Djibouti, addresses and hours
- Medyc: hospitals in Djibouti
This guide explains how to organise care. It does not provide a diagnosis or individual medical advice. How we write our guides
