What is healthcare in Malawi like?

Facilities and Health Information

Medical facilities in Malawi are rudimentary and do not meet U.S. standards of medical care. While all health workers have some degree of English proficiency, communication can still be difficult. Medications are not consistently available and many U.S. medications are not available at all. Travelers should bring adequate quantities of medications to last the duration of their stay. For any major medical problems you should consider obtaining medical treatment in South Africa, where advanced medical care is available.

Diarrhea and other food borne illnesses are a common problem among travelers. We urge you to avoid tap water, ice cubes, and raw fruits and vegetables. Bottled water is recommended for drinking and food preparation. Only food that is well-cooked and served hot should be consumed.

Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disorder that is endemic to Malawi. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised and should be initiated prior to arriving in Malawi. Consult your doctor to learn which prophylaxis is best for you, and review possible side effects. In addition, other measures such as the use of insect repellents and mosquito nets help to reduce the risk of malaria. If you become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area, or up to one-year after returning home, you should seek prompt medical attention and tell your doctor your travel history and what anti-malarial medications you have been taking.

Schistosomiasis (also known as Bilharzia) is present in most lakes and rivers in Malawi, including Lake Malawi. We recommends against swimming, wading or bathing in fresh water.

HIV infection is endemic in the Malawian population. Please take appropriate precautions to limit the risk of transmission through blood or sexual contact.

Drinking Water Source - % of rural population improved

83.2%

Drinking Water Source - % of total population unimproved

15%

Drinking Water Source - % of urban population improved

94.6%

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

11%

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

1.3

People Living with HIV/AIDS

920,000

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.02

Sanitation Facility Access - % of total population unimproved

89.7%

Sanitation Facility Access - % of urban population improved

22.3%

Sanitation Facility Access - % of rural population improved

Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

very high

Animal Contact Disease (s)

rabies

Food or Waterborne Disease (s)

bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

Vectorborne Disease (s)

malaria and dengue fever

Water contact disease (s)

schistosomiasis

Disability Access In Malawi

Accessibility

While in Malawi, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. There is no legislation that mandates access to transportation, public building and communication for people with disabilities. Some modern buildings may have wheelchair accessible entrances. Generally, public transportation is not accessible for travelers with disabilities.

Disclaimer

You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.

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