You need to take antimalarial tablets when travelling in Namibia. These pills help prevent malaria by killing the malaria parasite. If you don’t have any antimalarials with you, speak to your GP or a pharmacist about getting some. The NHS recommends that people travelling to areas of high risk for malaria take one tablet per day for the duration of their trip (if possible).
No antimalarials are 100% effective in preventing malaria
The best way to avoid malaria is to prevent mosquito bites. This can be done by:
- wearing long sleeves, long trousers and socks at all times
- Using insect repellent on exposed parts of the body (avoiding the eyes) if you are going to be outside during daylight hours in areas where malaria occurs. Always read the label before you use any repellent product, as some may not be suitable for children or pregnant women.
If you get bitten by mosquitoes while travelling, it is important that you seek medical advice urgently. You should also further bites by wearing a mosquito net over your bed at night if possible. You should sleep under a treated net impregnated with long-lasting insecticide (LLIN). In addition, an appropriate insecticide spray can be used inside your home and workplace to kill any adult insects that have landed there.
You should follow this advice about avoiding mosquito bites even if you take antimalarial tablets regularly because no antimalarials are 100% effective in preventing malaria infection from being transmitted from one person to another.
You can get antimalarial tablets from your GP or a pharmacy.
The cost of malaria tablets can vary depending on which tablets you choose. Prices can range from N100 – N300.
You will need a prescription to get them. They are available in different forms and brands, so you should ask your doctor or pharmacist which one is best for you. They’re usually expensive too, but your medical aid may cover them if you have one.