Nothing can replace your personal doctor's advice. Here below are some tips and indications for your information:

Main health risks for Pakistan : Malaria is present in desertic and humid areas, particularly during the monsoon (from June to August).

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals : Malaria is present in desert and humid areas, particularly during the monsoon (from June to August). The whole country is malarial below 1 500 meters, outside main cities (the risk is low in Islamabad, where chemoprophylaxis is not necessary). The Sindh (Indus valley), Baluchistan and Punjab are highly malarial. Strains present in the country are highly resistant to chloroquine (level-3 resistance).

Two epidemic spots of avian flu have been identified in February 2007 in poultry farms of the North-West Frontier Province (Charsada and Abbotabad), and two more in villages close to Islamabad.

The climate allows the proliferation of mosquitoes and sandflies which may transmit dengue fever and leishmaniasis. In 2008, 1 240 cases of dengue fever were reported in the eastern province of Punjab.

Cases of Japanese encephalitis are regularly reported in rural areas. Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne disease. Most infected people develop mild symptoms (fever, headache) or no symptoms at all. For people who develop a more severe form of the disease, Japanese encephalitis usually starts as a flu-like illness but may cause confusion and lead to severe neurological damage, such as paralysis and eventually death.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is highly endemic in Pakistan. The virus is transmitted to human by infected ticks or direct handling of fresh carcasses of infected animals.

There are cases of animal rabies in the country.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment : Diarrheic diseases, including cholera, are frequent in the country.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people : Tuberculosis is frequent in the country.

According to UNAIDS, HIV prevalence is increasing in Pakistan. In 2001, UNAIDS estimated that 50 000 adults (age 15 to 49) were HIV-positive; in 2007, UNAIDS' estimation reached 94000.

Food precautions for Pakistan : In Pakistan, gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions.

In Pakistan, gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions. Do not drink tap water and favor bottled mineral water, without ice. Avoid eating ice creams, sherbets, raw or undercooked dishes, especially meat or fish. If possible, order hot dishes. Bring anti-diarrhea medication with you and remember to wash your hands carefully before each meal.

Immunizations and medication for Pakistan : Travelers entering the country from an endemic area are required to present a certificate of immunization against yellow fever.

Compulsory immunizations for a trip to Pakistan : Travelers entering the country from an endemic area are required to present a certificate of immunization against yellow fever. The immunization is not required for infants younger than 6 month if the mother's certificate shows she was vaccinated before the child's birth.

Immunizations systematically recommended for a trip to Pakistan

Hepatitis A : The vaccination is available for children at least one year old. For persons who were born before 1945, who have spent their childhood in a developing country or who have had an icterus, it may prove useful to search previously for serous antibodies in order to avoid an unnecessary shot.

Hepatitis B : The vaccination is available for children at least two months old.

Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis : Get a booster shot before leaving if your last shot is more than ten years old.

Depending on the duration and conditions of the trip to Pakistan

Typhoid fever : If the stay is occurring in precarious hygiene condition. The immunization is available for children at least 2 years old.

Rabies : Recommended for long stays in isolation. The immunization should be given to children as soon as they are able to walk.

apanese encephalitis : For stays longer than a month in rural areas during the rain season. The immunization is available for children at least one year old and must be realized once in the country.

Tuberculosis : In case of a long stay, it is recommended to have children immunized against tuberculosis as soon as they reach the age of one month, and against mumps, measles and rubella when they reach the age of nine months.

Malaria : Recommended chemoprophylaxis against malaria: mefloquine (commercial name: Lariam) or doxycycline (commercial name: Doxypalu).

Health infrastructures in Pakistan : Access a list of health infrastructures in the country you will be visiting

Hospitals in Karachi
The Aga Khan University Hospital Medical Centre, Stadium Road:
Phone + 92 21 493 0051              
+ 92 21 493 0051      
Fax + 92 21 493 4294

Liaquat National Hospital, Stadium Road:
Phone + 92 21 493 9612              
+ 92 21 493 9612      

Clifton Medical Services:
Phone + 92 21 925 0051              

O.M.I. (Orthopedic and Medical Institute):
Phone + 92 21 225 8075            
+ 92 21 225 8075 


Hospitals in Islamabad
Shifa International Hospital, Shifa International Hospital, Sector H-8/4:
Phone + 92 51 446801/32
Fax + 92 51 446879

Pakistan Institute of Medical Science:
Phone + 92 51 926 0229              
+ 92 51 926 0229    


Hospitals in Lahore
Masood Hospital:
Phone + 92 42 588 1961            
+ 92 42 588 1961      

Hameed Latif Hospital:
Phone + 92 42 586 2778/79

Aadil Hospital, Main Boulevard, Defence Housing Authority, Lahore Cantt:
Phone + 92 42 667 2261-5/ 6667272-4
Fax + 92 42 666 1216

Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital, 7-A Block R-3, M.A., Phase II, Johar Town, GPO Box 2072
Phone + 92 42 518 0725/34
Fax + 92 42 518 0755/20

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