Health Issues

Specialist Reports Special Interest Holidays Safaris Health Issues 

The main drawback is the issue of health. The malaria endemic in most of sub-Saharan Africa is a more dangerous kind than that in Asia so you really don't want to catch it. Treatment in many areas involves Larium with all the potential side effects. All anti-malarial pills are revolting for adults so the prospect of getting one down a child daily for several weeks is not one to take lightly. Alternatives may be available in liquid form to be semi-disguised in drinks.

Some people are wiling to try alternatives. One operator reports that she cannot take quinine and instead was given an antibiotic and various complementary prophylactics are offered. However, relying on these would take some nerve given the potential problems should they not work.

Picking an area with low or no malaria can be a useful protective measure. There are small areas which do not see malaria, for example in south Africa, and it is reported less of a problem inland in Kenya, but can occur on the coast.

Then there is the issue of Yellow Fever. A spokesman at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London reported that travellers have only a one in 50,000 chance of catching any disease against which they can be vaccinated. However, he pointed out, if you are white and you catch Yellow Fever you will die. Yellow Fever is one of the few immunisations which are delayed in the UK until a child is at least five months, sometimes nine.

This is because the vaccine has recognised side effects and because of these you might prefer to avoid areas where it is required until your child or children are older. In certain countries, for example Tanzania, a Yellow Fever certificate is required before you can enter the country.

Whatever your medical approach it is wise to seek expert advice and not from your GP who will not be up to speed. See Health Information for more details.

For particularly tailored information see Healthy Travel Africa, Lonely Planet, £3.99, a 428-page book of information on the potential problems, a first aid section, plus listings of key local hospitals and clinics.