Medical Tool Kit for Africa: Ten (10) medical essentials to have

So you are getting ready for a trip or maybe relocating to the motherland. With all the stress that comes along with planning your move (or trip, or vacation) to Africa, equally as important as everything else you need to go over, would be your medical tool kit.

We all know that life in Africa has its challenges especially in the area of adequate health care, but believe me when I say you will be just fine. Five months and counting, and I am a clean bill of health. Never once have I been sick or come down with anything, despite my questionable street food eating, tap water and fresh milk drinking (I’m lactose intolerant) habits.

Well, even if you are not a descendant of Hercules like me :), I suggest before you leave your present place of residence, you should put together a Medical Tool Kit for your upcoming travel to Africa. At the very least, it is highly recommended that you take your yellow fever vaccination and anti-malaria pills, as these require a few weeks in your system before becoming active. If you however cannot put together a medical tool kit before you leave, not a problem! For you can obtain almost everything over on this side. On that note, let me go through a quick rundown of ten (10) medical essentials you would need while in Africa.

Antihistamine: A must carry around with you item, especially if you suffer from allergies be them from pollen, certain foods, airborne, etc. Popular brands here in South Africa are Celestamine (drowsy) and Allergex (non-drowsy). Price equiv: $15 for a packet of 24 tablets. Both pills are comparable to the western counterparts of Benadryl and Claritin.

Stomach Upset/Diarrhea: Changes in diet and the introduction to new foods usually triggers the tummy to react, and not too pleasantly. It would therefore be wise to pack a substantial amount of anti-stomach upset medications which would last you till your stomach adjusts to the local diet. Popular anti-diarrhea brands here are Gaviscon and Eno which go for around the equiv. of $5 a bottle. However, between me and you, give me Pepto-Bismol any day. I have tried the ones here, but think Pepto works a tad bit faster to relieve stomach upset pains.

Painkillers: To combat any aches and pains you might encounter during your trip, the most widely used painkillers here are Panadol, and Grand-Pa. These drugs can be obtained over the counter for the equivalent of $2 for a packet of 24 tablets.

Contraception/Birth Control: Ladies…..the pill is the most common form of contraception almost everywhere in Africa. If your preference is the patch, the shot, etc… I suggest you bring an ample supply as these are not easily obtained here. Birth control pills however are in abundance. Commonly used tablets are Yaz, Triphasil, Microval, and Yazmine. Price equiv: $0 – 30 dollars, depending on if you get it free from a government clinic or pay at a pharmacy.

Condoms: The gloomy statistics of sexual transmitted diseases especially that of AIDS in Africa is real. If engaged in sexual relations during your stay, please use a condom. In South Africa, condoms can be obtained for free at government clinics and hospitals. They are also widely accessible in commercial centers such as grocery and convenient stores. The most popular brands here are Durex, Lover’s Plus, and Choice (which is given for free by government clinics and hospitals). Price equiv: $2-$12 for a packet containing three.

Cold/Flu: Your chances of catching the cold/flu will not be as high as for example, during the winter season in the West. However we do suffer from the sniffles too from time to time. As told to me by the pharmacists, the most widely used cold and flu medications here are Vicks and Med-Lemon. Price equiv: $2 -$4 a bottle.

Drinking Water: Not necessarily needed in your medical tool kit. However, I thought it important to highlight the fact that, there is an abundance of purified bottled water available in most African countries. You therefore will have access to “clean drinking water”. Popular bottled water brands here are Aquaries, Valprie, Ben. Price equiv: between $2 -$3 a bottle.

Vitamin Supplements: This is not a popular cultural practice, and as a result vitamin supplement brands are limited. I suggest when in Rome…do as the Romans do! In other words, African foods are highly pro greens, vegetables, fruits, nuts, etc. If you therefore get into the local cuisine, you are sure to fulfill most of your vitamin requirements. If however, you are a staunch taker of vitamin supplements, per the pharmacists, brands such as Centrum will do the trick. Price equiv: $12 for 40 tablets.

Bug Sprays/Insect Repellant: A must for your medical tool kit. Just a small can of insect repellant should do the trick. Popular brands here are Raid (scented) and Doom (unscented). Price equiv: $2 a bottle.

Medical Insurance: It is also possible to have the safety net of international medical insurance while in Africa. This might be appealing for people suffering from known illnesses such as asthma, epilepsy, etc that could flare up unexpectedly, and those travelling with young kids, who would feel more at ease knowing that in the case of an emergency, medical insurance would cover most costs, even up to evacuation of the patient. The most widely used international medical insurance plans here is Discovery Medical Plan. Monthly fee equiv: $150

Stay Healthy and Enjoy your Trip 

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