Mandatory: Yellow Fever Vaccination
Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card / Carnet Jaune). Without it, you may be vaccinated on the spot at the airport and could face fines or delays. Get vaccinated at an approved travel clinic at least 10 days before departure.
Essential Medicines to Pack
| Medicine | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil) | Malaria prevention | Gold standard; start 1–2 days before arrival |
| Doxycycline (alternative) | Malaria prevention | Cheaper; take with food; sun sensitivity |
| Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) | Diarrhoea / heat exhaustion | Take 10–20 sachets. Essential. |
| Imodium / Loperamide | Diarrhoea treatment | Short-term use only |
| Ciprofloxacin (prescription) | Bacterial diarrhoea / travellers' diarrhoea | GP prescription required |
| Paracetamol / Ibuprofen | Fever, pain | Available locally but bring supply |
| Antihistamine (Cetirizine) | Insect bites, allergies | Also useful for Harmattan dust |
| Antiseptic cream / wipes | Cuts and wounds | Minor cuts infect quickly in humidity |
| Hydrocortisone 1% | Insect bite reactions, heat rash | Small tube |
| Water purification tablets | Emergency water safety | For areas without bottled water |
DEET Insect Repellent: Non-Negotiable
Malaria-carrying mosquitoes are active from dusk to dawn. Use a DEET-based repellent of at least 30–50% concentration every evening. Apply to all exposed skin. Brands: Jungle Formula Maximum (50%), DEET-based sprays available at travel clinics and pharmacies. Stock up before leaving — reliable DEET is harder to find in Sierra Leone.
What Is Available in Freetown & Lungi
Freetown has pharmacies including the well-stocked Choithrams Pharmacy and other outlets. You can find paracetamol, basic first aid and often malaria rapid test kits. However, availability of branded Western medicines is unreliable. Do not plan to resupply Malarone, Doxycycline or prescription medicines in-country.
Malaria Rapid Test Kits
If you develop fever, chills, sweats or headache in Sierra Leone or within 3 months of return, assume malaria until proven otherwise. Rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits are available in Freetown pharmacies. If positive, seek treatment immediately. Do not delay.
Arriving in Lungi? We Can Help
Yogi Guest House stocks basic first aid supplies and can direct you to the nearest pharmacy and clinic. Our team has years of experience supporting NGO health workers arriving through Lungi.
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