The diseases you should be vaccinated against are typhoid, cholera and hepatitis. Tap water should be sterilized before drinking, and visitors should avoid consuming ice. Milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled. Comprehensive medical insurance covering repatriation is essential, unless you want to get even sicker in an Iraqi hospital. Health and sanitary conditions weren't too good before the war, and they are worse now in all the major cities. Water, refuse and sanitation services are nonexistent, especially in the south, where outbreaks of typhoid, hepatitis, meningitis and gastroenteritis had reached epidemic proportions by late 1993. An outbreak of cholera was contained. Hospitals and other medical facilities were also damaged during the war and vital electricity supplies disrupted. Many expatriate doctors and hospital staff left the country. Stocks of pharmaceuticals have been depleted, and there are severe shortages of even nonprescription drugs. Essential drugs are almost nonexistent. If you need or think you may need medication or drugs, bring plenty with you. You can always donate or sell what you don't need on your way out.
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