Home   Student Electives   Preparing your Elective   Preparing for your Medical Elective - in a resource poor country

This is a complicated issue because resistance is increasing and all prophylactics have side effects. In practice therefore advice needs to be customised for your particular placement and you will need specialist health advice. WHO provide up to date information on their websites. Look at whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2005/9241580364_chap7.pdf

Key messages include:

1. Ensure that you take the recommended drug, at the recommended dose, for the recommended time – before, during and after your return!
2. Take every precaution to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
   1. Sleep under permethrin impregnated bed nets (taken with you if need be)
   2. Use a DEET-based insect repellent
   3. Spray your room each night
   4. Keep well covered - wearing long sleeve shirts and long trousers in the evenings etc.
   5. Make sure your accommodation is fitted with netted window and door screens.
   6. Avoid marshy places and going out at dawn or dusk unless really necessary.

Malaria is becoming much more common and dangerous. Avoid all risks as far as possible. Advice on malarial prophylaxis is continually changing – seek up to date advice before you go.

After your return to the UK

• Continue to take antimalarials for the recommended time after your return
• Make sure that you report any suspicious symptoms for at least 3 months after return.
• Don't delay seeking advice. If you should develop a febrile illness in the year following your return, ensure that your doctor knows if you have been living in a malarial area.