There is always great danger in writing about health and safety for the uninitiated visitor. It is all too easy to become paranoid about exotic diseases that you may catch, and all too easy to start distrusting everybody you meet as a potential thief – falling into an unjustified us-and-them attitude toward the people of the country you are visiting.

As a comparison, imagine an equivalent section in a guidebook to a Western country – there would be a list of possible diseases and advice on the risk of theft and mugging. Many Western cities are very dangerous, but with time we learn how to assess the risks, accepting almost subconsciously what we can and cannot do.

It is important to strike the right balance: to avoid being either excessively cautious or too relaxed about your health and your safety. With experience, you will find the balance that best fits you and the country you are visiting.

Hospitals, dentists and pharmacies

Should you need one, Lusaka, Livingstone and the Copperbelt have reasonable private hospitals. These are well above the standards of local hospitals, which should be avoided where possible. Provided you have medical insurance, there should be no problem getting treatment at any of these. Pharmacies in these same towns stock a good range of medicine, whilst that available in the smaller towns is often very limited. Bring with you a repeat prescription for anything you may lose or run out of.