Iris Ministries, Inc.

Health Needs

Vaccines: There are no travel vaccines required by the Mozambican government unless you are from or traveling through Angola, Brazil, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo or Tanzania. If you are from or traveling through one of the listed countries, see the note below.

You should be up-to-date on standard vaccines such as tetanus, typhoid, Hepatitis A, etc. Please check with a travel nurse or your doctor for current recommendations from a medical professional.

Note for those from or traveling through Angola, Brazil, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo or Tanzania: Mozambique has recently changed the rules on requirements for Yellow Fever immunization. It is now required for those arriving from the countries of Angola, Brazil, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania. If your route takes you through Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, you must carry documentation of your immunization. If you should arrive Dar es Salaam on the way to Pemba without documentation, you will be forced to be immunized at the airport.

The cost for immunization is 1,350 meticais, 49 euros or $68. Since a few recipients have a mild to moderate reaction to the immunization and the quality of the immunization could be compromised, it is recommended that you secure the immunization for Yellow Fever before leaving your country. No other immunizations are required even though several should be recommended by your doctor.

Malaria: Malaria continues to be the greatest serious health danger you may encounter while visiting. While visiting an Iris base, taking a Malaria prophylaxis is required. Some are daily pills, others are taken once a week. You must bring these medications with you. We recommend consulting with a medical professional to find out which medication will suit you health needs the best.

We do not recommend the use of Lariam (Mefloquine) by adults based on some of the side effects especially suffered by young women. It sometimes causes bizarre emotional responses that include severe depression, anxiety, paranoia, aggression, nightmares, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts. Please discuss the possible side effects of any malarial prophylaxis with a medical professional.

Please bring a mosquito net to sleep under except for the Zimpeto Center Base. For overnight outreach, extra protection is needed. The Epco Tropicscreen II is an excellent choice. Also bring strong bug repellent which contains 100% DEET, available in the camping department of most department stores in the US.

By taking a malarial prophylaxis, and sleeping under a mosquito net you greatly reduce your risk of contracting malaria.