Sudan
Risk / Health Info for Sudan
If you are wondering about shots before you go to Sudan, then your healthcare adviser at Canadian Travel Clinics can help you. In addition to your regular shots, which should be up to date before you leave for Sudan, consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid. These and other unpleasant gastrointestinal diseases are easily picked up in areas with poor sanitation and are spread by contaminated food and water. Stick to commercially bottled water in Sudan and avoid using ice in drinks. Be sure to practise good hand hygiene.
There are good GP facilities in Khartoum, but hospitals are not up to Canadian standards and you will have to be evacuated if your case is complex.
- Altitude in Sudan
- Parts of Sudan are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.
- Dengue fever in Sudan
- There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Sudan. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.
- Malaria in Sudan
- Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Sudan at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.
- Schistosomiasis in Sudan
- The schistosomiasis parasite enters humans through the skin during contact with fresh water. To prevent infection, avoid swimming or paddling in lakes and streams in Sudan. This condition is also known as bilharzia.
Recommended Vaccines for Sudan
| Vaccine Name | Course |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | 2 Doses |
| Hepatitis A and B combined (adult) | 3 Doses |
| Hepatitis A and B combined (paediatric) | 2 Doses |
| Hepatitis A and typhoid (combined) | 1 Dose |
| Hepatitis A (paediatric) | 1 Dose |
| Hepatitis B | 3 Doses |
| Hepatitis B (paediatric) | 3 Doses |
| Malaria prophylaxis | |
| Meningococcal Meningitis (ACWY) and certificate | 1 Dose |
| Rabies | |
| Typhoid | 1 Dose |
| Typhoid (oral) | 1 Dose |
| Yellow fever with certificate | 1 Dose |
Book your Travel Vaccinations For Sudan
About Sudan
The River Nile divides Sudan into two. The north and interior are very dry, but the south is wetter with swamps and rainforests. Sudan trades with China and its economy is oil-based.
top Tips for travelling to Sudan
Global Affairs Canada has some regional advisories about Sudan and you should look at these while planning your trip.
If you are in Khartoum on a Friday around sunset, you can attend a Sufi drumming and trance prayer ritual at Omdurman, north-west of the Nile.