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When travelling or planning to relocate, one of the key issues to address is adequate preparation against the diseases prevalent in Africa. Vaccinations can offer protection against some of the more serious illnesses and you should seek specialist advice from a travel clinic or doctor. Careful attention to diet and hygiene will reduce the risk of contracting disease and you should seek advice and information to help you manage the risks. Some of the more common diseases you should be aware of include: Malaria Hepatitis A / Hepatitis B Cholera Bilharzia Diarrhoea and sickness Tuberculosis HIV General guidelines for your health and safety include: Steering clear of still water pools, dams and some lower lying rivers and using insect repellent before swimming. In areas of poor sanitation and hygiene, drink only canned or bottled carbonated drinks, with no ice, and beverages made with boiling water and avoid eating raw and inadequately cooked fish or seafood and uncooked vegetables and salads. With diarrhoea and vomiting, take oral rehydration solutions to replace lost body fluids and salts. Boil or sterilise all drinking water. Avoid sexually transmitted diseases through safe use of prophylactics. Reduce the risks of contracting malaria by taking protective measures including covering up between dusk and dawn, using a mosquito net and repellent and taking some for of prophylactic drug (as mosquitoes build up resistance to various anti-malarial drugs, always seek the latest advice from a travel clinic or doctor). Avoid close contact with all animals, even domestic pets, to avoid the risk of rabies. Immunisation Plan your vaccinations and immunisations well in advance of travel. For some African countries Cholera and Yellow Fever vaccinations are mandatory to gain entry. You should also consider having certain vaccinations as a matter of course and also being vaccinated against specific diseases. Information about the immunizations required can be obtained from your doctor or a travel clinic. Click on the relevant flag to find out more