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Country Guide > Africa > Zimbabwe | |
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Health
1 A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas. 2 Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Zimbabwe. However, cholera is a risk in this country and precautions are advisable. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. 3 Vaccination against typhoid is advised. 4 Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists from November to June in all areas below 1200m (3937ft) and throughout the year in the Zambezi Valley although there is negligible risk in Harare and Bulawayo. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported. The recommended prophylaxis is mefloquine. Food & drink All water should be regarded as being a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Other risks Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Human trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) has been reported. Trachoma and Hepatitis A and E are widespread. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Epidemics of meningoccal meningitis may occur, particularly in the savannah areas during the dry season. There may be a small risk of plague in rural areas, especially Matabeleland. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix. HIV/AIDS is a high risk throughout the country (around 25 per cent of the adult population are infected) and precautions should be taken. Health care Medical facilities are good in the major towns and there are well-equipped clinics in most outlying areas, although medical costs can be high. There may be drugs shortages in public hospitals. There is no reciprocal agreement with the UK. Health insurance is essential; adequate medical provision is often only provided privately, especially in urban areas. Private hospitals may require health insurance or a cash payment before admission. |