Botswana Telephone Communication services Health care Press media Newspapers Dikgang

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COMMMUNICATION AND HEALTH IN BOTSWANA.

Telephone

Country telephone code: 267. Though the country has got very few public phone boxes.

Mobile Telephone

Network Coverage in the country is average.

Internet

Internet services are available in large cities and resorts.

Post

There are post offices in all towns and the larger villages. Airmail service to Europe takes from one to three weeks.

Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0815-1245 and 1400-1600; Sat 0800-1100.

Media

There are claims that the government limits ability to broadcast freely on the radio but Botswana welcomes public debate and freedom of expression, as its constitution dictates. State-run television did not appear until 2000 but radio tends to have more dominance as a medium. Printed media are mostly limited to major cities and towns.

Press

The daily newspaper is the Dikgang tsa Gompieno (Botswana Daily News), published in Setswana and English.

Other English-language newspapers include The Botswana Gazette (weekly), The Botswana Guardian (Sundays), The Midweek Sun and Mmegi (The Reporter) (private, daily).

Botswana TV is a state-run broadcaster.

Gaborone Television is a privately-run broadcaster.

Radio

Radio Botswana is state run and broadcasts in both English and Setswana; it also operates commercial Radio Botswana 2.

Gabz FM and Ya Rona FM are both privately run.

HEALTH.

Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over one year of age travelling from infected areas.

Food and Drink

Tap water in Botswana is considered safe to drink, although outside main cities and towns, visitors are advised to check before drinking water and sterilise it if in any doubt. Bottled water is available in most tourist centres. Milk is pasteurised, and dairy products, local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other Risks

Vaccinations for tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Hepatitis C occurs. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is endemic; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Tick-bite fever can be a problem when walking in the bush. It is advisable to wear loose-fitting clothes and to search the body for ticks. Rabies is present in animals. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Health Care

The dust and heat may cause problems for some people. Visitors should use sun protection, especially due to Botswana’s high altitude. The public health system is good. All main towns have chemists, and pharmaceutical supplies are readily available. Health insurance is essential.

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