Staying Healthy in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is in the tropics, and there is risk of malaria all year long. Malarone or doxycycline are the most commonly recommended medications for malaria prophylaxis. Mosquito repellent is recommended; you can also pre-treat your clothing with repellent prior to departure from the US. In most hotels, mosquito nets have been removed, including the Kalenga House which stopped using them in 2017.

In addition to malaria prophylaxis, be sure you have been vaccinated for hepatitis A and B. You should also be up to date with routine vaccinations against tetanus, polio and influenza. Typhoid vaccine is also recommended.

You should avoid eating raw vegetables or fruit that can’t be peeled. It is best to eat only well-cooked food and drink only bottled water. This recommendation includes brushing your teeth with bottled water as well.

The sun is very strong and you should wear a hat, use sun screen and cover your shoulders when exposed to the sun.

Post-Exposure HIV Prophylaxis

Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) reduces the risk of HIV transmission. Universal precautions and careful attention to sharps on the wards and in the OR are important. The Alliance has purchased a PEP kit. Maryam, the caretaker at the Kalenga House, will give you the PEP kit when you arrive.  Please return it to her prior to your departure. The kit contains the appropriate drugs and detailed instructions including contact information for advice and counseling. Some volunteers experience emotional distress after a needle stick injury. Consultation with an Infectious Disease Specialist and obtaining phone access to your home institution needle stick hotline is advisable prior to your trip.