USEFUL INFO - HEALTH
Did you know?
In the Mid nineties a local Malawian herbalist claimed he had found the cure for HIV/AIDS with a drink known as Mchape? Read more
When preparing for travel from country of origin, ensure you have anti malaria medication before arriving in Malawi. Check with your embassy or doctors what medication you should take with you on your trip. Once you reach your destination and accommodation, ensure you know where the local chemists are located. During the summer season ensure you hydrate yourself with plenty of water to avoid heat exhaustion. Diarrhea is a common symptom, but most cases are non-infectious, self-limiting, and a rise as a result of climatic changes or food irregularities. Though Cholera rarely occurs, it is advisable to boil or drink filtered water and thoroughly cleanse all fruits and vegetables. Measles can be serious, particularly among children. Precaution against Hepatitis A and meningitis is also advisable; please ensure you get further advice from your doctor before travelling to Malawi.
Malaria is endemic to the country and must be taken extremely seriously. Malaria prophylaxis must be taken regularly (beginning two weeks before arrival). Since no prophylactic drugs can offer total protection, other measures to protect against mosquito bites are advised. These include remaining within well-screened accommodation particularly after sundown, enclosing the bed with mosquito nets while sleeping, and use of mosquito repellents in the evenings. The first line of treatment is Fansidar or Halfan. Cases of Fansidar resistant and quinine resistant malaria are on the increase. It is advisable to consult a doctor as soon as one feels unwell, particularly if feverish with or without headaches. If diagnosed early, malaria can cause little to no damage. However, the condition can quickly become cerebral if not attended to immediately.
The incidence of Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) contamination from limited parts of Lake Malawi as well as in the rivers. Avoid swimming in areas where there’s mud or silt at the bottom of the Lake. For those using the lake regularly it is advisable to take the bilharzias cure once a year or 12 weeks after leaving. High rates of cases of rabies occur among dogs. There are no longer any Government controls and bands of stray dogs are a common sight particularly at night in the urban areas. It is advisable to either be vaccinated before arrival or as soon as you are bitten by an local animal (dog, cat, monkey)
Health Clearance
Yellow fever: Vaccination required for arrivals from infected areas
Typhoid
Tetanus-Diphtheria
Poliomyelitis
Hepatitis A + B
Meningitis A+C
Rabies
Malaria prophylaxis: WHO recommended prophylaxis for all visitors and residents. advisable.
Dentists & Opticians
Hospitals
When you travel out of the country it can be hard to know where to go and what to do in the event that you suffer from a serious illness or mishap. With this in mind we have compiled a list of some of the highest quality medical hospitals in Malawi, so that no matter what situation you find yourself in, you will be certain to receive the best medical service that you or your family members deserve.
List of Hospitals
A full list of current travel clinic websites world wide is available on www.istm.org/. For other information in regards to your journey consult www.nathnac.org/ds/map_worlwide.aspx. For medication information please visit www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel
