Africa South of Sahara

Mozambique

Mozambique, a developing country in southern Africa, ended a 16-year civil war in 1992. The country has remained stable following Mozambique's first multi-party elections in October 1994 and subsequent elections in December 1999. Mozambique is among the world's poorest countries. Facilities for tourism in Maputo, the capital city, are steadily improving, but they remain limited in other areas, as most of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available.

CRIME: The biggest threat facing travellers visiting Mozambique is crime. Street crime and vehicle hijackings are common, and they can be violent. Visitors must be vigilant when out in public areas and should not display jewelry or other expensive items. Visitors should avoid carrying backpacks or purses because these can draw unwanted attention of would-be muggers. Isolated areas, such as along the Marginal (the area along the sea), should be avoided because joggers and pedestrians frequently have been mugged there, even during daylight hours.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities are rudimentary, and many medicines are unavailable. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Maputo's Sommerschield Clinic can provide general and basic emergency services and requires cash payment in advance.

More than 25 mill. people are infected by HIV in the subsaharian Africa.

Arthropodborne diseases are a great problem in this region af Africa.

We recommend:

Usage of long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects
Usage of insect repellent containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), in 30%–35% strength for adults and 6%–10% for children. Unless you are staying in air-conditioned or well-screened housing
Usage of a bed net impregnated with the insecticide permethrin.
Staying and sleeping in air-conditioned houses

Arthropod borne diseases:

Water- and foodborne diseases:

Other diseases:

Vaccinations recommended:

Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin (IG)
Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
Yellow fever when entering from a yellow fever endemic region.
Typhoid fever - vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region
Rabies - if risk for contact with wild or domestic animals
A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.

Stay healthy:

Wash hands often with soap and water;
Drink only boiled water, or water and carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans;
Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes;
Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it;
Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn;
Prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot;
Do not travel at night;
Trafic accidents are frequent, be careful;
Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases;
Don't eat food purchased from street vendors;
Use mefloquine as malaria prophylaxis.(Chloroquine resistance)

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