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Australia, known officially as the Commonwealth of Australia is a country in the Southern Hemisphere, located in Oceania. Its mainland is both the largest island and the smallest continent in the world. Australia is one of the most technologically advanced, industrialized and prosperous countries globally. It ranks highly in many national comparisons and is a popular tourist destination, given the cultural offerings of its main cities and natural beauty. Australia will continue to captivate and amaze visitors from all around the world.
Whenever you travel to a new place it can be intimidating and because of this it is essential to have some background information on where you travel. This is why we have provided below a basic overview of Australia. Please keep in mind that the overview shown in this page is subject to revision without prior knowledge or notice, thus you should also consult with an expert for the most relevant and recent Australia information. |
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The healthcare system in Malawi is one of the poorest and underdeveloped systems in the world. This is in part due to the fact that the country is one of the most densely populated and least developed countries in Africa. For this reason the government has turned to international aid and support, not just for its struggling economy, but to be able to provide medical care programs that can begin addressing the serious health issues that plague the nation. Many figures bring to light the serious health issues in the country. Malawi is the 7th poorest country in the world. In Malawi there are 750,000 orphans, and this number continues to rise every year. Over half the number of children in the country suffers from malnutrition, and this exacerbates the fact that maternal deaths in childbirth have also increased, which means one in four children in Malawi will die before the age of five. Malawi struggles with healthcare, due to the lack of trained health professionals, limited access to facilities, inefficient supply chains for drugs and medical supplies, limited national infrastructure and poor laboratory capacity. With local and government programs lacking the abilities to deal with all of these health issues, the hope for the children of Malawi and their future rest entirely on humanitarian aid and economic restructuring and investment in the impoverished nation.
Of all the health issues plaguing Malawi, however, none is more pressing and significant than the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the adverse effects it has on the Malawian citizens, economy, and the government approach to the problem. Malawi currently has one of the highest prevalence rates for HIV/AIDS in the world; with roughly 14 percent of the adult population aged 15-49 living with the illness. In 2007 there were around 1 million people living with the disease, and of that number a greater percentage of women were being affected by the epidemic. This has led to over 68,000 deaths due to the disease in 2007. The primary mode of transmission of the disease in the country is unprotected heterosexual sex, with mother to child transmissions being the second major mode. The disease is even more serious when combined with tuberculosis infection, with the number of cases rising dramatically to over 27,000 in recent years. The other factor that acts a catalyst to greater spreading of the illness is Malaria, which is endemic to the country and affects close to four million people annually, most of them being women and children. Malawi’s ability to fight this serious national health trauma ultimately rests on the help of financial support from international humanitarian bodies and developed donor nations to provide the appropriate funds and physical professional aid, as well as educate and instruct on the hazards of HIV/AIDS and the necessary precautions to avoid the continual spreading of the illness.
The foreign visitor and expatriate visiting the nation of Malawi should be cognizant of the healthcare conditions in the nation, as well as the appropriate methods of medical care to use if deemed necessary. Healthcare standards in the country, especially in rural areas are poor. It is important to have a good list of the best practitioners and medical facilities in the country, in case medical attention is required. Malaria and rabies are common illnesses in the country, as well as bilharzia that can be contracted on shores and rivers. Outbreaks of intestinal issues and cholera are also common. It is important that you take the necessary precautions while doing any outdoor activities like visiting rural areas, hiking, biking, or swimming in lakes and rivers to avoid getting infected. You should especially watch out for intestinal diseases during the rainy season, and avoid drinking tap water in rural areas. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date, and that you do not have any serious medical conditions present, so as to reduce the need for serious medical attention while on your trip. It is recommended that you acquire a comprehensive international medical and travel insurance policy for your visit to Malawi. This will ensure that you are covered for any medical issues that may come up, so you can be free from worry and enjoy your trip to Malawi to the fullest.
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Whether you are an expart working or a tourist traveling through Malawi, expat health insurance plans can be tailored to suit your individual insurance needs.
For more information about travel within Malawi, expat health insurance that we can provide, or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our expert advisers today. |
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