World Country Guide

1
Risk of typhoid fever exists throughout the region especially if travelling outside cities. Botswana is practically free of poliomyelitis.

2
Malaria risk exists from November to May/June in the northern part of the country (Boteti, Chobe, Ngamiland, Okavango and Tutume districts/subdistricts), predominantly in the malignant falciparum form. Some of the falciparum-related cases have been reported as chloroquine-resistant; in which case, the recommended prophylaxis in risk areas is mefloquine.

3
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over one year of age travelling from infected areas.

Food & drink
Tap water is considered safe to drink, although drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Mineral water is available in most tourist centres. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other risks
Hepatitis A, C and TB occur. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is endemic. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) is transmitted by tsetse flies in the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Ngamiland and western parts of the Chobe National Park. Protective clothing and insect repellent are recommended. Tick-bite fever can be a problem when walking in the bush. It is advisable to wear loose-fitting clothes and to search the body for ticks. The disease may be treated with tetracycline, though pregnant women and children under eight years of age should not take this medicine. Natural foci of plague have been reported. In recent years, there has been a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS cases detected; indeed, Botswana has a prevalence rate of 39 per cent (statistics: end of 2002), the highest in the world. Visitors should therefore take necessary precautions.
Rabies is present in animals. 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.

Health care
The dust and heat may cause problems for asthmatics and people with allergies to dust. Those with sensitive skin should take precautions. Botswana’s altitude, 1000m (3300ft) above sea level, reduces the filtering effect of the atmosphere. Hats and sunscreen are advised.
The public health system is made up of 23 district health teams, three referral hospitals (Francistown, Gaborone and Lobatse), 12 district hopsitals, 17 primary hospitals, 222 clinics, 330 health posts and 740 mobile stops. All main towns have chemists, and pharmaceutical supplies are readily available. Health insurance is essential. There is a government medical scheme and medicines supplied by government hospitals are free.