Health and Safety in Botswana

Botswana has a good public health system, but facilities are limited outside urban areas. Health insurance for visitors is vital. Tap water in towns is safe and all most food is safe to consume.

The major health risks in Botswana are malaria, typhoid and HIV/AIDS. Malaria is a particular risk between November and June in the northern parts of the country so it is extremely important to avoid mosquito bites and take preventive tablets. To avoid mosquito bites, wear light-coloured clothing that covers the limbs; use mosquito repellents containing the compound DEET on exposed areas; avoid perfumes and aftershave; and use a mosquito net impregnated with mosquito repellent (permethrin).

There are no compulsory vaccinations, but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age coming from infected countries. There are occasional outbreaks of anthrax among wild animals.

Botswana has one of the highest rates of growth for HIV with 40% of adults being HIV+. HIV leads to AIDS, which is a fatal disease. Every care should be taken to avoid contracting HIV and it recommended that you do sufficient reading on this. Botswana has an advanced HIV treatment program and anti retroviral drugs are made available easily. Blood supplies in most reputable hospitals are now screened, so the risk from transfusions is low.