Rwanda inevitably conjures up horrible images of genocide and civil war between Hutu and Tutsi. But sometimes miracles happen and the country managed to escape those dark days. The tiny African nation is now united and stronger than ever, ready to embrace a bright future. Rwanda has a very rich wildlife and stunning landscapes, ranging from vast savannas to magnificent volcanoes. One of the last population of mountain gorillas in the world is living in Rwanda’s forests, blessing the country with an inestimable natural treasure. Rwanda went through a pretty tough history, but it is now time for the tourists to come back.
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.
RWANDA – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| 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. |
| Polio | One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult (after 18 years old only). |
| Measles – Rubella – Mumps | Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given. |
| Cholera | For humanitarian workers and health care providers. |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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- |
| Malaria | Malaria is present in this country. The risk may be region specific. Prophylaxis measures to be discussed with the health care professional. |
| 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 |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
In Rwanda, access to health care, even basic, is bad. The medical infrastructure in the country is not adequate and the care provided is of poor quality. If you require medical assistance while traveling in Rwanda, you can go to the King Faisal Hospital. It is a private medical establishment located in Kigali, the capital city. But be aware that even in private medical facilities, specialized services are limited. You can also go to the American-operated missionary hospital in Kibagora, in the southwestern part of the country. In the event of serious medical issues, an air evacuation to another country is required.
In case of emergency in Rwanda, you can call an ambulance at 912 / 0788 622 524 (only in Kigali). Be aware that ambulance services are extremely limited.
Basic medicines and pharmaceutical products are hard to find in Rwanda. Pharmacies are very few in the country and they are not well stocked. It is thus indispensable that you bring your own medical supplies, including sufficient essential drugs and all the specific treatments you could need while traveling in Rwanda.
SECURITY ABROAD
Attacks in the area bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have occurred in 2018 and 2019. Be extremely vigilant in the areas along the border with the DRC. There are several active armed rebel groups in eastern DRC, and the security situation can deteriorate suddenly.
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
Emergency services exist but may be subject to certain limitations. In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 112
- medical assistance: 912
- gender- based violence: 3512
