Wedged between Zambia and Mozambique, Malawi is an African country often denigrated by tourists. Although “The Warm Heart of Africa” is not a great safari destination like its neighbors, the Great Rift Valley running through the country offers stunning landscapes. But the most beautiful natural wonder in Malawi is Lake Malawi, lying along the Eastern border of the nation. The glittering clear waters of the third biggest lake in Africa are swarming with numerous species of colorful cichlid fish, often found nowhere else on Earth. From diving to kayaking and sunbathing on the beach, Lake Malawi can be enjoyed in various ways.
HEALTH INFORMATION
We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.
For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.
MALAWI – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| The Yellow Fever Vaccine | A proof of vaccination against yellow fever may be required upon entry in to this country. Some travellers may not be eligible to receive this vaccine. Please enquire with your health care professional regarding your specific details. It is important to note that the vaccine should be administered at least 10 days prior to your departure. For further information, please consult with the World Health Organization (WHO) website: https://www.who.int/ith/ith- |
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Typhoid fever | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine | Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): 1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec. |
| Measles – Rubella – Mumps | Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given. |
| Flu – Influenza | Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure. |
| Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) | Recommended for all travelers |
| African Tick Bite Fever | Presence. All travellers should protect themselves against tick bites. |
| Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention – Rabies | For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats, dogs and other mammals. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated. |
| Schistosomiasis | Avoid swimming in fresh water. |
| Turista – Traveler’s Diarrhea (ETEC) | Talk to your health care professional about the risks and precautionary measures to take, as well as the Dukoral® vaccine. Important to note that the Dukoral vaccine is an oral vaccine given in 2 doses, recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure. |
| Malaria | Malaria is present in this country. The risk may be region specific. Prophylaxis measures to be discussed with the health care professional. |
| Cholera | Recommended for humanitarian workers, health care providers and/or adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission. |
| Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and/or Zika | There are many illnesses that are transmitted via mosquito bites and unfortunately we do not have vaccines to protect us against most of them. It is important to inquire with your healthcare professional regarding the specific risks and the different illnesses presently in circulation. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antimalarials Recommended | Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine |
| Acetazolamide/Dexaméthasone | Recommended to prevent Acute mountain sickness (AMS). |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
Access to basic health care is very limited and sometimes non existent outside of the major cities in Malawi. The medical care provided by the country’s hospitals is not of good quality. The ZMK Medical Center, located in Lilongwe, the capital city, provides satisfying health care. The St Gabriel Hospital in Namitete is another option, about 60 kilometers away from the capital. The Malamulo Adventist Hospital, located in Makwasa, is one of the best hospital facilities in Malawi.
In case of emergency in the country, you can call +265 1 731 819 (Malamulo Hospital) or +265 175 3785 (ZMK Medical Center).
Be aware that medicines are sometimes hardly accessible in Malawi. To travel with peace of mind, be sure that your vaccinations against yellow fever, tetanus and diphtheria are up to date and don’t forget to bring a well filled medical kit.
SECURITY ABROAD
On February 3, 2020, the constitutional court of Malawi nullified the results of the May 2019 presidential election. A new vote should take place within 150 days. Demonstrations related to this decision could occur.
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 997 / 990
- medical assistance: 998
- firefighters: 999
