Malaria, Yellow Fever Vaccinations, Medical Care/Hospitals in Zanzibar

Malaria, Yellow Fever Vaccinations, Medical Care/Hospitals

MALARIA

Zanzibar is not an official Malaria area anymore. It is up to you to take Malaria prophylaxis or not. Do bring Mosquito repellent and drink lots of Tonic water (Mosquitos hate the smell of chinine in the tonic water which your skin somehow gives off). If you drink alcohol, enjoy a gin tonic at sunset (gin also contains chinine = double dose of chinine) – the gin tonic is only to keep the Mosquitos away of course 🙂

In the hotel rooms, you have mosquito nets and staff usually spray the rooms at night when they get your bed ready.

YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION

Officially, a yellow fever vaccination is only mandatory if you arrive from yellow fever endemic countries. It is not required if you arrive from any other countries. Please see official confirmation letter of the Zanzibar Ministry of Health below, dated 10 August 2017.

Having said that: When I returned from a trip to South Africa with Kenya Airways, via Nairobi (transit only), everyone was asked for the yellow fever certificate! In case you are coming from Kenya, transit or not, rather have the yellow fever certificate. It is a good idea anyway to get that shot since you are covered for life then. There is still no cure in case you get yellow fever!

As to the recent reports on “Cases of Undiagnosed Febrile Illnesses – United Republic of Tanzania” please read https://www.who.int/csr/don/21-september-2019-undiag-febrile-illness-tanzania/en/

MEDICAL CARE / HOSPITALS

In case you should require medical attention, we have so-called Clinics in the bigger villages that are run by qualified nurses, they can also administer antibiotics if needed.

Alternatively, I recommend Tasakhtaa Global Hospital in Vuga, Stone Town. It has modern equipment (which is not the norm on the island), excellent doctors (mainly from Ukraine and India) and an emergency section: http://www.tasakhtaahospital.co.tz

Reception for making an appointment: +255 (0) 24 223 2341

Emergencies: +255 (0) 24 223 2222, if you need an ambulance +255 (0) 779 770 577

General Practitioner: ZanAid Clinic in Mbweni/Stone Town, about 2km from the airport. Please rather make an appointment beforehand: +255 777 777 112 or mail@zanaid.org or book an appointment online http://www.zanaid.org

URBAN CARE CLINIC in Fumba Town/south of Stone Town. Dr. Jenny Bouraima is excellent, she speaks English and German. They have their own laboratory on the premises. http://www.urbancare.clinic +255 622 820 011 Facebook: Urban Care

Should you get sick in a coastal area, best contact the manager or reception of your place of accommodation, they should have the numbers of the nearest medical practitioner

Pharmacies: Shamshu (best selection) and Izmir Pharmacies, both in Darajani/Stone Town, behind the fish/meat market building, and at Global Hospital

In the rural areas, there are small Dawa (Kishwahili for medicine) shops, but they are badly stocked.

I suggest that you bring an emergency travel kit (especially antibacterial ointment) which you could donate to the local clinic when you leave, it will be much appreciated.