Niger
Almost entirely covered with the Sahara desert and regularly facing tragic events like bloody rebellions or devastating droughts and famines, Niger appears like a pretty hostile place to travel to. But this Western African country is worth the visit for the most adventurers. Golden sand dunes traveled by nomads and their camels, rolling savannas home to elephants, buffaloes and giraffes, black mountains hiding inestimable Neolithic cave paintings, fascinating mosaics of people and traditions… This is just an overview of what the country has to offer. It is a pity that Niger is such a rude and sometimes inhospitable place to visit…
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.
NIGER – 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. |
| Meningitis | Recommended for all travellers during the season(s). Consider immunization for specific groups or itineraries outside the dry season |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| Polio | Polio vaccination is strongly recommended for travel to this region. A polio booster dose as an adult (>18 years old) is strongly recommended to travellers who have previously completed childhood polio vaccination. Proof of vaccination may be required for some travellers. |
| Cholera | Recommended for humanitarian workers, health care providers and/or adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antimalarials Recommended | Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
Access to health care in Niger can be difficult outside of Niamey, the capital city. A few medical facilities are found in rural areas, but they provide precarious medical care and have rudimentary equipment. Travelers requiring medical assistance while in Niger are advised to go to the Gamkalley clinic, located in the capital city. This establishment offers satisfying basic care, but in the event of serious medical issues, an air evacuation to another country is needed.
In case of emergency in Niger, you can call the Gamkalley clinic ambulance services at 73 20 33.
Basic medicines are easily found in the capital city and can be purchased without a medical prescription. But it is strongly advised that you bring your own well filled first aid kit and all the specific treatments you could require when traveling to Niger, especially if you intend to go to remote areas. Be sure that your vaccinations are up to date before you leave your country of origin.
SECURITY ABROAD
The security situation has improved in Niamey. Crime and the risk of kidnapping, however, remain a threat.
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
Emergency services exist but may be unreliable. In case of emergency dial:
- police: 17
- medical assistance: 15
- firefighters: 18
