Zambia Health & Medical Information

Zambia Health & Medical Information

Your safety and health are absolutely vital. This document contains essential health and medical information for travellers to Zambia, enabling you to make well-informed decisions and allowing you to enjoy a trip that is both healthy and worry-free.

Pre-Travel Health Checklist

Are you planning a trip soon? You can confidently get ready for your vacation with the help of this pre-travel health checklist. You may reduce health hazards and increase your vacation satisfaction by going over these important information. 

Consult Your Doctor or Travel Clinic

Consult Your Doctor or Travel Clinic

Before embarking on your trip to Zambia, ensure you visit a healthcare professional. They can provide tailored advice on vaccinations, preventive medications, and ways to mitigate any potential health risks that may be relevant to your travel plans. This is particularly important for first-time visitors or those with pre-existing health conditions.

Entry Health Requirements

Verify the health laws in Zambia and your nation of residence. In some countries, you might need to show proof that you have been vaccinated against diseases like yellow fever. Keep abreast of needs, particularly in view of evolving global health issues such as COVID-19.

Bringing Prescription Medicines

Preparation

  • Ensure that you have an adequate supply of any prescription medications for the duration of your trip. Overestimating the quantity is preferable to running short.
  • Keep medications in their original packaging. This ensures that ingredients and dosages are clearly identifiable, especially if you need to replace them locally.
  • Carry a copy of your prescription, ideally translated into English if it’s in another language, as it may be required at customs or when consulting a local pharmacist.
  • Bring only what you need for the duration of your trip to avoid raising suspicions at customs.

Restricted Ingredients

Some substances commonly found in medications may be banned in Zambia. Verify your medications against Zambia’s list of restricted substances. 

Essential First-Aid and Toiletry Kit

Essential First-Aid and Toiletry Kit

A well-stocked kit is vital for managing minor ailments while travelling in Zambia. Be sure to include:

  • Plasters: Useful for covering small cuts and preventing infections.
  • Anti-histamine Medication: Effective for allergic reactions to bites, stings, or environmental allergens.
  • Painkillers: Opt for mild to moderate analgesics such as ibuprofen or paracetamol for headaches, muscle pain, or fever.
  • Anti-diarrhoea Medication: Crucial for travelers adapting to local food and water conditions.
  • Organic Insect Repellent: Reduces the risk of insect-borne diseases like malaria. Choose DEET-free options for sensitive skin.
  • Sun Protection Lotion: High SPF is essential to prevent sunburn, especially during long outdoor activities.
  • Antiseptic Lotion: For cleaning wounds and preventing infections.
  • Spare Contact Lenses and Cleaning Solution: Ensure adequate supply if you wear lenses, as replacements may be hard to find.
  • Anti-nausea and Motion Sickness Medications: Necessary for long journeys or activities like boat rides.
  • Special Considerations: Bring spare inhalers or asthma pumps if required. Always have a backup plan for essential medical equipment.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

  • Make sure emergency medical evacuation coverage is included in your insurance, particularly if you intend to go to distant locations or partake in safari-style activities.
  • Zambia has several air evacuation services, but these are costly without proper insurance. Check the specifics of your policy to confirm they cover these scenarios.

Traveling via Light Aircraft

  • Weight Limits: Flights to safari destinations often operate under strict luggage weight limits, typically 15-20 kg (33-44 lb) per passenger. Pack light and prioritise essentials.
  • Seating: Light aircraft have small cabins with limited legroom and headroom. Passengers weighing over 120 kg (264 lb) may need to book an additional seat at a higher rate.

CPAP Machines and Power Supply

Zambia’s remote camps often rely on solar power or generators, which may not run 24/7.

Plan Ahead:

  • Confirm with your accommodation whether they provide uninterrupted electricity.
  • Bring fully charged backup batteries for your CPAP machine if you use one to treat your sleep apnoea. Due to airline baggage weight restrictions, small and lightweight choices are best.
  • Be aware that there are very severe and modest baggage limits (usually around 15-20 kg/33-44 lb) for trips to wildlife areas on smaller aircraft and charter flights.

Malaria Prevention

Malaria Prevention

Risk Areas: The risk of malaria is inconsistent throughout Zambia. The excessive rainfall in northern regions, including the provinces of Muchinga and Luapula, renders them high-risk areas. Risk levels are lower in urban areas such as Lusaka.

Protective Measures:

  • Schedule your travel during the dry season, which runs from July to October, to minimise the presence of mosquitoes.
  • Apply organic insect repellent generously, especially during dusk and dawn.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and socks to minimize exposed skin.
  • Sleep under mosquito nets whenever provided, even in luxury lodges.
  • Avoid stagnant water areas where mosquitoes breed.

Anti-Malaria Medication:

Please consult your physician or travel clinic regarding anti-malaria medication. Please indicate whether you are or will be expecting or planning to engage in scuba diving during the same period. The prophylactics must be initiated two weeks prior to your departure.

Emergency Kit: Carry a malaria test kit to identify symptoms early and seek treatment without delay.

Wildlife Safety Tips

Wildlife Safety Tips

General Precautions:

  • Always treat wildlife with caution and respect.
  • Stay comfortably within your vehicle and enjoy the wildlife encounters. Refrain from making any abrupt movements or loud noises that could potentially disturb or frighten the animals.
  • Follow your guide’s instructions at all times to ensure safety.

Specific Risks:

  • Avoid walking along hippo paths (“hippo highways”), as these territorial animals can be extremely dangerous.
  • Never swim in rivers or dams without official clearance due to crocodile hazards.
  • Maintain a safe distance from elephant herds, particularly those with calves.
  • Wear long trousers and gaiters during walking safaris to protect against ants, snakes, and termites.
  • Avoid wearing blue or black clothing to prevent attracting tsetse flies, whose bites are painful and may cause infections.

Food and Water Safety

Hotels and Lodges:

High-quality accommodations adhere to rigorous standards of hygiene. Food and water are generally safe, and special dietary requests are often accommodated.

Self-Catering:

  • Stock up on essentials at supermarkets in major towns.
  • When buying produce from local markets, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and cook meat or fish to high temperatures.
  • Bring water-cleansing tablets with you or boil water before drinking it if you're going to be getting it from an unknown source.

Recommended Vaccinations

  • Consult a travel clinic to ensure compliance with mandatory vaccination requirements. These can change periodically.
  • Common vaccinations recommended by health authorities include:
  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Tetanus
  • Meningitis
  • Rabies

Access to Medical Services

Access to Medical Services

  • Urban Areas: Modern hospitals and clinics with advanced facilities are located in major cities such as Lusaka, Livingstone, and Ndola. These centres can handle most medical emergencies.
  • Rural Areas: Healthcare facilities are limited in rural regions. Clinics may lack advanced equipment and supplies, making it essential to carry travel insurance that includes evacuation services.

Conclusion 

It is essential to prioritise your health and safety while travelling to Zambia in order to have a worry-free and enjoyable experience. By adhering to medical guidelines, taking necessary precautions, and preparing in advance, you can reduce risks and optimise your trip. With the appropriate planning and awareness, you can confidently explore Zambia's breathtaking landscapes and diverse fauna, knowing that you have taken all necessary precautions to ensure your well-being.

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