Healthcare in Zambia

The general state of healthcare in Zambia is poor. Although there are adequate private health facilities in Lusaka, the public health system remains heavily underfunded, and many expats requiring serious medical attention will find themselves evacuated to another country, such as South Africa, where there are better medical facilities. It’s therefore essential that expats have a comprehensive health insurance policy before moving to Zambia.

Moving to Zambia

Public healthcare in Zambia

Zambia offers universal healthcare to all its citizens. By Western standards, this healthcare is very basic and Zambia’s public healthcare system is chronically underfunded. Many Zambian doctors leave the country or work only for the private health system, meaning that public health is subject to a skills drain.

The public healthcare system is operated at three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary care. Primary care is primarily supplied through rural health centres, district hospitals, and health posts. Religious organisations are also critical to the Zambian healthcare system, as they provide much of the formal healthcare in rural areas, ensuring access where there are gaps. 

Useful links

• Ministry of Health

Private healthcare in Zambia

There are good private hospitals in Zambia’s larger cities, particularly Lusaka. These cater not only to foreigners but also to affluent Zambians. Expats living in mining communities and compounds owned by their organisation are likely to find company-sponsored clinics on site that can cater to their basic medical needs. Still, most expats are evacuated to South Africa or elsewhere in the case that long-term serious medical care is required.

Health insurance in Zambia

Expats must either ensure that any medical insurance cover they have outside Zambia covers them in the country, or that medical insurance is taken out immediately upon arrival. This medical plan must be comprehensive and include coverage for medical evacuations. This should be a critical part of contract negotiations when moving to Zambia.

Working in Zambia

Pharmacies and medicines in Zambia

Although pharmacies are available in major towns and cities, they are not always well stocked and may not carry many of the usual drugs that expats may need. Pharmacies may be closed after hours or on Sundays. In emergencies, you should try pharmacies attached to hospitals or clinics. 

Useful links

• Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority 

Health hazards in Zambia

Malaria is a major health concern in Zambia. You should consult a doctor for the latest travel advice before leaving for Zambia. A mosquito net is therefore an important purchase. These nets cover the bed at night and have a significant effect in reducing mosquito bites. Cholera and dysentery are also common, particularly during the rainy season. Zambia also has a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. 

The water in Zambian cities is drinkable, but it is best to avoid it. Bottled water is widely available and is generally the best option for new arrivals.

Vaccinations for Zambia

If you're moving to Zambia, you are advised to ensure that you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and an annual flu shot. A yellow fever vaccination is required for those arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, and proof of vaccination may be requested upon entry. 

Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are highly recommended, as these diseases can be contracted through contaminated food or water, even in urban areas. Depending on your activities and length of stay, additional vaccines such as Hepatitis B, rabies, and cholera may also be advisable. 

Emergency services in Zambia

Emergency services are inadequate, especially outside of Lusaka. In an emergency, expats can dial 991. For serious emergencies, airlifting to a nearby country with better facilities might be the best course of action. Expats should, therefore, choose an insurance policy that includes this service.