Health and vaccines in Madagascar

In Madagascar, we emphasize the difficulty of obtaining emergency evacuation assistance. Phone and/or radio connections in some remote areas can be unreliable or even non-existent.

Suggested personal medical kit 

It is necessary to carry at least the following basic items:

• Tricostéril® bandages
• Elastoplast bandage (6 cm)
• Compresses
• Aspirin® and/or Paracetamol
• Eye drops for treatment and cleansing
• Anti-diarrheal (Smecta®, Tiorfan®, Noroxine®, or Ciflox®)
• Pain relievers
• Disinfectant
• Broad-spectrum antibiotic (Augmentin® or Clamoxyl®)
• Anti-nausea medication (for travel sickness)

Malaria protection :

• Mosquito repellent
• Insecticide for impregnating mosquito nets and clothing
• Antimalarial treatment (curative)

Other products:

• Burn cream
• Single-dose saline ampoules
• C High SPF sunscreen
• Hand hygiene gel
• Indestructible thermometer
• Tweezers

Specific treatments 

Please remember to bring a sufficient quantity of any personal medications you need.

Mandatory vaccines 

There are no mandatory vaccines to enter Madagascar. However, there is an exception for yellow fever. Yellow fever vaccination is not required if you are coming from Europe, North America, Oceania, or Asia. It is, however, mandatory (unless contraindicated) for children over 9 months and adults who have never been vaccinated and have had a previous stay in or transit of more than 12 hours through countries in Africa or South America where yellow fever is endemic (for example, for travelers on itinerant trips across several countries).

Recommended vaccines 

For other vaccinations, it is recommended for all travelers to be immunized against:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid and rabies for longer and more remote trips, especially for children.
• Updating your diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis vaccine is essential.

Malaria treatment 

We recommend carrying antimalarial treatment with you. Malaria can be easily detected if you experience symptoms like fever, chills, and sweating. A simple finger prick test (available in pharmacies) can determine if you have been infected.  

For prevention, it is important to protect yourself from mosquitoes using simple and effective measures: repellents, covering clothing (especially at dusk), and using treated mosquito nets. This parasitic disease, transmitted by mosquito bites, requires individual protective measures. Additionally, a suitable drug treatment should be prescribed for each individual by your regular doctor or a travel health center. The treatment should continue after your return to France for a period that varies depending on the medication used. Classification: Zone 3.  

During your stay, and for up to two months after your return, if you develop a fever, you should seek medical advice quickly to begin antimalarial treatment as soon as possible. Be sure to inform the doctor that you have been in Madagascar. It is also advisable to visit your doctor before departure to update your vaccinations according to the French vaccination schedule.