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Country Risk Assessments
Map of Gabon

Africa

Gabon

Location

Western Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean at the Equator, between Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea.

Problems
Crime is on the increase, particularly in Libreville and Port-Gentil. Incidents include robbery and armed attacks. Car-jacking is a problem. You should keep the vehicle's windows and doors locked. Local militia groups, vehicle security, personal security, checkpoints, robberies, general travel, navigation, off road driving, building / office security, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation / sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, helicopter safety, cultures / customs, communications, emergency shelters.
Water
Use bottled water.
Terrain
Narrow coastal plain; hilly interior; savannah in east and south.
Climate
Tropical; always hot, humid. Rainy season October to mid-December and mid-February.
Natural Hazards
Possible drought.
Health Issues
Bacterial diarrhoea, bilharzia, cholera, hepatitis A, HIV/AIDS, malaria, polio, river blindness, typhoid fever, yellow fever.
Hospital: Centre Hospitalier de Libreville, BP50. Tel: 763618
Environmental Issues
De-forestation; poaching.
Road Safety
Roads are in poor condition and driving can be hazardous. During the rainy season many roads are only passable in a 4x4 vehicle. Avoid driving at night. Police checkpoints are common.
Preparation and Training
Hostile Environments and Emergency First Aid Training (HEFAT®) (5 days)
Centurion's flagship Hostile Environments and Emergency First Aid Training (HEFAT®) course is for people who operate world wide, particularly in areas where there may be personal health or safety concerns. It is extremely effective for "frontline" organisations.
For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.

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