Robberies and burglaries of residences are frequent. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets, A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa, provide useful information on promoting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Medical facilities fall critically short of U.S. standards. Persons with medical conditions that may require treatment or medications are discouraged from travelling to Sierra Leone.
Medicines are in short supply, sterility of equipment is questionable, and treatment is unreliable.
Many primary health care workers, especially in rural areas, lack professional training. Instances of misdiagnosis, improper treatment and administration of improper drugs have been reported. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.