Botswana

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• The whole country is malarial. Malaria is endemic in the north (Ngamiland, Okavango, Chobe, Boteti, Tutume). Risks are lower in the center (Serowe, Palapye, Mahalapye, Bobirwa), the west (Gantsi), and the east (Francistown, Selebi-Phikwe). The risk is almost inexistent in the south. Strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3).
• The HIV prevalence is preoccupying. In case of exposure, numerous structures allow you to receive medical care and have a detection test. 37% of the population is HIV-positive (2nd highest proportion in the world).
• Cases of tuberculosis are frequent and on the rise, parallely to the increase of AIDS cases. A new XDR strain has been identified in 2008.
• A recent epidemic of diarrhea, which hit mainly children, justified exceptional prevention measures in 2007. However, the epidemics was not attributed to cholera, though cholera cases have been identified in Zimbabwe.
• Temporary epidemics of anthrax occurred among Park Chobe animas, in September-December 2004 and October-December 2006; contaminated areas were closed to the public but touristic activities functioned as usual in other regions.
• A foot-and-mouth disease epidemic has been identified in April 2007 close to the Zimbabwe border.
• Cases of trypanosomiasis (or sleeping sickness) have been detected, mainly in the Okavango district.
• Diarrheic diseases are common.

FOOD SAFETY

• Gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions.
• Tap water is drinkable in Gaborone except during the rain season; in other cases, favor bottled mineral water, without ice; avoid eating ice cream and sherbet.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked dishes, especially meat or fish. If possible, order hot dishes.
• Bring anti-diarrhea medication with you.
• Wash your hands carefully before each meal.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND MEDICATION

• Travellers entering the country from an endemic area are required to present a certificate of immunization against yellow fever.
Systematically:
• Hepatitis A: the vaccination is available for children at least one year old. For persons who were born before 1945, who have spent their childhood in a developing country or who have had an icterus, it may prove useful to search previously for serous antibodies in order to avoid an unnecessary shot.
• Hepatitis B: the vaccination is available for children at least two months old.
• Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis: get a booster shot before leaving if your last shot is more than ten years old.



Depending on the duration and conditions of the trip:
• Typhoid fever: if the stay is occurring in precarious hygiene condition. The immunization is available for children at least 2 years old.
• Rabies: recommended for long stays in isolation. The immunization should be given to children as soon as they are able to walk.
• Tuberculosis: in case of a long stay, it is recommended to have children immunized against tuberculosis as soon as they reach the age of one month, and against mumps, measles and rubella when they reach the age of nine months.
• Recommended chemoprophylaxis against malaria: mefloquine (commercial name: Lariam) or doxycycline (commercial name: Doxypalu).

HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURES

Gaborone
• Gaborone Private Hospital, Plot 8848, Segoditshane Road, Mica Way: phone + 267 30 1999, fax + 267 30 2804
• Iamat Center Clinic, 4853 Independence Avenue: phone + 267 35 1743

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Gaborone Private Hospital: 390 19 99

CLIMATE

• The climate is temperate most of the time. During the summer, from October to April, temperatures are very high and precipitations are important (rain season).
• From May to September, the weather is dryer and cooler and the average temperature is 25°C.
• The weather can be very cold in the morning and at night in the winter.
• When to go: between June and October.