⚠️ Important: Travel Insurance is Essential

Always travel with comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage. Healthcare facilities in the Gambia is limited.

💉 Vaccinations

Consult your doctor or travel clinic at least 6-8 weeks before travel. These are general recommendations:

Required

  • Yellow Fever – Required if coming from an infected country. Carry your vaccination certificate!

Recommended

  • Hepatitis A – Recommended for all travellers
  • Hepatitis B – For longer stays or higher risk activities
  • Typhoid – Recommended, especially if eating street food
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria – Keep up to date
  • Meningitis – Especially for dry season travel
  • Rabies – Consider if spending time with animals

🦟 Malaria Prevention

⚠️ Malaria Risk Exists

The Gambia is in a malaria zone. Take precautions seriously.

Prevention Measures

💊 Antimalarials

  • Consult your doctor about tablets
  • Options: Malarone, Doxycycline, Lariam
  • Start before travel, continue after
  • Take consistently as prescribed

🦟 Bite Prevention

  • Use DEET repellent (30-50%)
  • Wear long sleeves/trousers at dusk
  • Sleep under mosquito nets
  • Use air conditioning if available

Malaria Symptoms

If you develop these symptoms during or after your trip (up to a year later), seek medical help immediately:

  • High fever and chills
  • Headache and body aches
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea

💧 Water & Food Safety

  • ✅ Drink only bottled water
  • ✅ Check bottle seals are intact
  • ✅ Use bottled water for brushing teeth
  • ❌ Avoid tap water
  • ❌ Avoid ice from unknown sources

  • ✅ Eat freshly cooked, hot food
  • ✅ Peel fruits and vegetables yourself
  • ✅ Eat at busy, popular places
  • ❌ Avoid raw salads
  • ❌ Avoid reheated buffet food
  • ❌ Be cautious with seafood in non-coastal areas

☀️ Sun & Heat

The tropical sun is strong – protect yourself!

  • ☀️ Use SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapply frequently
  • 👒 Wear a hat and sunglasses
  • 💧 Drink plenty of water (2-3 litres daily)
  • 🏖️ Avoid midday sun (11 am-3 pm)
  • 🧂 Replace salt if sweating heavily

Heat Exhaustion Signs

  • Dizziness and headache
  • Nausea and fatigue
  • Excessive sweating, then no sweating
  • Treatment: Rest in shade, drink water, cool down

🏥 Medical Facilities

Healthcare in The Gambia is limited. For serious issues, evacuation to Senegal or Europe may be needed.

Recommended Facilities

🏥 MRC Unit The Gambia

Best medical facility, research hospital

📞 +220 4495442 / 4495443

📍 Fajara

🏥 EFSTH (Banjul)

Main government hospital

📞 +220 4462288

📍 Banjul

🏥 Private Clinics

Various private clinics in tourist areas:

  • Afrimed Clinic
  • Medical Research Council Clinic

💊 Bring Your Own

Pack a basic medical kit with:

  • 💊 Any prescription medications (with doctor’s note)
  • 💊 Painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
  • 💊 Antihistamines
  • 💊 Diarrhoea tablets (Imodium, rehydration salts)
  • 💊 Insect repellent (DEET-based)
  • 💊 Antiseptic cream
  • 🩹 Plasters and bandages
  • ☀️ Sunscreen and aftersun
  • 💧 Water purification tablets (backup)

🦠 Common Health Issues

Common, usually mild. Prevention and treatment:

  • Drink bottled water only
  • Stay hydrated with rehydration salts
  • Eat plain foods (rice, bread, bananas)
  • Use Imodium if needed for travel
  • Seek help if severe or bloody

  • Use DEET repellent
  • Wear long clothing in evenings
  • Antihistamine cream for itching
  • Watch for infection signs

  • Clean thoroughly
  • Apply antiseptic
  • Keep covered and dry
  • Watch for infection (tropical wounds can get infected quickly)

🚨 Emergency Contacts

🚑 Ambulance: 116

🏥 MRC Clinic: +220 4495442

🏥 EFSTH Hospital: +220 4462288

📞 Police: 117

✅ Stay Healthy Checklist

  • Get vaccinations before travel
  • Take malaria prevention seriously
  • Drink only bottled water
  • Protect yourself from sun
  • Have comprehensive travel insurance
  • Carry a basic medical kit