Delivering Vaccines To Angola: Strategies For Success

Angola is a country on the west coast of Africa, bordered by the DR Congo, Zambia, and Namibia. The country is known for its stunning beaches, burgeoning provincial capitals, and tropical rainforests. However, it also has a high risk of diseases such as yellow fever, malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya, which are transmitted through mosquito bites. As a result, it is important for travellers to take the necessary precautions and get vaccinated before visiting Angola. The recommended vaccinations for travellers to Angola include MMR, DTaP, and Yellow Fever, while Hepatitis A and Typhoid are also suggested for most travellers. In addition to vaccinations, travellers should take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites and consider taking malaria prevention tablets.

The importance of getting a yellow fever vaccination

Yellow fever is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by the yellow fever virus, which is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which carries the virus, occurs primarily in African and South American countries. The mosquito's bite leads to infection and the typical symptoms of yellow fever, which include fever, vomiting or nausea, headache, muscle pains, and a characteristic yellowing of the whites of the eyes (jaundice).

Yellow fever is currently known to affect people living in or travelling to 43 countries located on the African continent and South America. Angola is one of the countries where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission. The disease is prevalent in the country and vaccination is compulsory for all travellers aged 9 months or over.

The yellow fever vaccine is a live vaccine containing a weakened, live yellow fever virus. It is given as a single shot and one dose provides lifelong protection for most people. The vaccine is recommended for people 9 months through 59 years of age who are travelling to or living in areas at risk for yellow fever virus activity. In addition to getting vaccinated, individuals can also protect themselves from yellow fever by avoiding mosquito bites. This can be done by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and staying in well-screened or air-conditioned areas.

Getting vaccinated against yellow fever is important because it is the most effective way to prevent the disease. Yellow fever can be very dangerous and can cause severe symptoms such as haemorrhagic fever, multi-organ failure, and death. There is no medicine or treatment for yellow fever, and most care involves alleviating pain and treating symptoms. Severe cases require hospitalisation for close observation and care. By getting vaccinated, individuals can reduce their risk of developing severe yellow fever and its potentially life-threatening complications.

How to protect yourself from mosquito bites

Angola is a country on the west coast of Africa, with a tropical climate in the north. Travellers to Angola are at risk of contracting diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, and chikungunya, which are all transmitted by mosquitoes. Therefore, it is important to take measures to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Here are some ways to do so:

• Use insect repellent: Choose a good-quality repellent that contains an active ingredient such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Apply it to all exposed skin, and reapply regularly, especially if you are sweating a lot or after swimming.
• Wear protective clothing: Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Treat clothing and gear with permethrin, an insecticide that repels mosquitoes.
• Use a mosquito net: Sleep under a mosquito net, especially if you are sleeping outdoors or in a room without air conditioning or screens on the windows and doors.
• Reduce mosquito breeding grounds: Get rid of any standing water around your accommodation, as mosquitoes breed in water.
• Stay in places with air conditioning or screens: Mosquitoes are less likely to enter rooms with proper air conditioning or mesh screens on windows and doors.
• Avoid mosquito breeding grounds: Stay away from swamps and other places where mosquitoes breed.

By following these measures, you can effectively protect yourself from mosquito bites and reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases when travelling to Angola.

The need for a pre-travel health check and blood tests

Vaccinations are an essential part of staying healthy when travelling to Angola. It is important to understand the specific health risks associated with the region and take the necessary precautions. Angola is situated on the west coast of Africa, bordering the DR Congo, Zambia, and Namibia. The southern region of the country is marked by desert, while the north experiences a humid and tropical climate. Regardless of your travel plans within Angola, it is crucial to be aware of the risk of tropical diseases and mosquito bites.

Before embarking on your journey to Angola, it is highly recommended that you schedule a pre-travel health check with a healthcare professional. This appointment should take place at least one month before your departure to ensure you receive the necessary vaccines and medications on time. During this consultation, a travel health specialist can provide you with destination-specific advice, addressing your concerns and tailoring their recommendations to your itinerary and planned activities.

• Assessing Your Health Status: A pre-travel health check allows your healthcare provider to evaluate your current health status, including any underlying conditions or allergies. They can advise you on managing your health while travelling and recommend any necessary vaccinations or medications.
• Vaccination Requirements and Recommendations: Angola has specific vaccination requirements and recommendations. A health check will ensure you receive the mandatory Yellow Fever vaccination and any other suggested vaccines such as MMR, DTaP, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and more.
• Malaria Prevention: Malaria is prevalent in Angola, and there is a high risk of contracting it throughout the country all year round. During your pre-travel health check, your healthcare provider will advise you on malaria prevention medications and strategies to avoid mosquito bites, which is crucial to reduce your risk of infection.
• Disease Prevention: Angola presents risks of various diseases, including Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, and Schistosomiasis. A pre-travel health check will educate you on the necessary precautions, such as mosquito bite prevention techniques and food and water hygiene practices, to minimise your chances of contracting these diseases.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests may be recommended or required before your trip to Angola. These tests can detect susceptibility to thrombus formation during long-haul flights and identify any underlying conditions. Additionally, blood tests are crucial for diagnosing certain diseases prevalent in Angola, such as Yellow Fever, which presents similar symptoms to other tropical diseases.
• Personalised Advice: Every traveller is unique, and a pre-travel health check allows for personalised advice and recommendations. Factors such as your age, medical history, and lifestyle will influence the vaccinations and medications suggested by your healthcare provider.

By prioritising a pre-travel health check and any necessary blood tests, you can ensure that you are well-prepared for your journey to Angola. This proactive approach will not only protect your health but also give you peace of mind as you embark on your travels.

Ensuring your passport and other travel documents meet requirements

Before you travel to Angola, it is important to ensure that your passport and other travel documents are in order and meet the necessary requirements. Here are some key points to consider:

• Passport validity: Check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Angola. This is a standard requirement for entry into the country.
• Blank pages: Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages. This allows for any necessary visas and entry/exit stamps.
• Renewal: If your passport does not meet the above requirements, renew it before your trip. This process can take time, so plan ahead.
• Visa requirements: US citizens travelling for tourism can enter Angola without a visa for up to 30 days at a time (90 days total per calendar year). For other types of travel, such as work, study, or business, a visa is required in advance. Check with the Angolan authorities or your local consulate for specific visa requirements based on your purpose of travel.
• Yellow fever certificate: A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travellers to Angola over the age of nine months. You will need to present proof of this vaccination upon entry. This is usually in the form of an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP) or a similar document.
• Other recommended vaccinations: While yellow fever is the only compulsory vaccination, it is highly recommended that you consult a medical professional for advice on other vaccinations. These may include MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and more.
• Travel insurance: It is essential to have adequate travel insurance that covers emergency medical situations. Healthcare facilities in Angola may be limited, especially outside major cities, so ensure your insurance provides coverage for overseas medical treatment.
• Medication: Bring any prescription medication you need in its original packaging, along with your doctor's prescription. Also, consider bringing preventative and over-the-counter medications for common travel-related issues, such as traveller's diarrhoea.
• Currency declaration: If you are carrying more than $10,000 in cash or travellers' cheques, you must declare this upon entry. There are also restrictions on the amount of currency you can take out of Angola, so be sure to familiarise yourself with these regulations.
• Other entry requirements: Research and understand any other specific entry requirements for Angola, such as proof of return tickets, accommodation arrangements, or invitation letters.

Remember to consult official government sources and travel advisories for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding passport and travel document requirements for Angola.

Understanding the safety and security situation in Angola

Angola has a high level of crime, especially in Luanda, where violent muggings are common. Criminals target areas popular with foreigners, such as banks and ATMs, so it is advised to use pre-arranged cars or hotel cars when withdrawing money. It is also recommended to avoid walking around Luanda, especially alone or after dark, and to avoid wearing expensive jewellery or watches or using mobile phones in public places.

There is a high rate of organised crime in Angola, with groups targeting foreigners. This includes rape, murder, and kidnappings in the province of Cabinda. The threat of terrorist activity is low, but Westerners should still take care.

Theft from stationary or slow-moving cars is common in downtown Luanda, and thieves may fake a minor traffic incident to get you out of your car and rob you or steal the vehicle. There have also been incidents of kidnapping from vehicles in Luanda, with foreigners being the usual victims.

Outside of Luanda and the provincial capitals, roads are often in poor condition, and landmines and unexploded bombs and weapons are still a problem. During the rainy season from November to April, there is an increased chance of mines shifting due to flooding and resurfacing outside known mine fields. Even in 'cleared' areas, it is advised to keep to well-established routes and take up-to-date advice from the United Nations or an international non-governmental organisation.

Police checkpoints are common, and travelling at night should be avoided. Mines and unexploded ordnance remain a problem in many areas of the countryside.

Demonstrations and civil unrest are common, particularly in Cabinda, Lunda Norte, and Lunda Sul, and protests can turn violent. It is advised to avoid large public gatherings and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Frequently asked questions