PREPARING FOR THE TRIP A. Immunizations
GHM team members are responsible for getting all necessary immunizations for travel to Ghana. All participants should visit a health care provider or travel clinic at least three months before the trip since some vaccines require several weeks to take effect. The Centers for Disease Control, as March 2009, recommends the following immunizations for travel to Ghana:
- Yellow fever. This is mandatory for entry into Ghana and must be documented on an International travel certificate.
- Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG).
- Hepatitis B, if you might be exposed to blood, have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 3-6 months, or be exposed through medical treatment.
- Meningococcal meningitis, for travel from December through June.
- Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries in this region.
- As needed, tetanus-diphtheria, MMR, and a one-time booster dose of polio vaccine for adults.
B. Medication
· The CDC recommends one of three medications for malaria prevention: mefloquine (Larium), doxycycline, or Malarone
· Participants also find it helpful to bring a sleep aid such as Ambien
· Many also bring a supply of ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and Immodium for treatment of traveller’s diarrhea
· If you have a chronic illness, you should talk with your health care provider to plan for your trip; also, please inform GHM of your medical needs at the time you submit your application.
The CDC website at www.cdc.gov/travel/wafrica.htm has information on immunizations and malaria-prevention medication
C. Visas
A Visa is required to enter the country. GHM or your group leader will give you information regarding visa applications.
D. What to pack
Suggested clothing and supplies: 2 scrub suits for clinic (one to wear and one to wash); shoes (comfortable and sole cushions, we work on a concrete floor); at least 2 pairs of socks; name pin; stethoscope, [BP cuffs and oto/ophthalmoscopes, if you have them]; hand sanitizer; and personal water bottle. For leisure time, 2 comfortable cool clothing outfits and sandals; and cool sleeping attire that you would want to be seen in. Do not over pack! It is not necessary to bring a lot of clothes because laundry is done daily and often participants have had clothes made. Sometimes team members have shared the purchase and use of some supplies. See BEING IN GHANA for additional details.
We bring as much medication and supplies for the clinic as we can, using our check-in baggage allotment for these supplies. To avoid paying charges for excess baggage, we ask GHM travelers to keep personal luggage to a minimum.
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