Health and Safety in the Field

In an Emergency:

If you have any questions about health and safety in the field, email:  womenglobalhealth@med.cornell.edu

General Health and Safety Information:
The following health matters are of particular concern while working abroad:

 Vaccination:

• Visit the CDC website for required or recommended immunizations or vaccines
• The Travel Clinic at WCMC provides vaccinations/immunizations, but there is a charge (OGHE does not reimburse travelers for vaccinations/ immunizations)

Malaria Prophylaxis:

• Visit the CDC website for endemic malaria areas
• Strategies for combatting malaria include: medical prophylaxis, Mallarone (curative), mosquito nets (sold by REI, EMS, and Amazon) bug sprays and repellents

Diarrhea:

• Tap water, ice, unpasteurized milk, and dairy products are associated with increased risk for diarrhea. Safe beverages include bottled carbonated beverages, hot tea or coffee, beer, wine, and water boiled or appropriately treated with iodine or chlorine.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked seafood, raw fruits and vegetables (unless you peel them), and eating foods or drinking beverages purchased from street vendors or locations with unhygienic conditions
• Treatments for diarrhea include oral rehydration, antimotility agents, and antimicrobial agents

Accidents:

• According to the WHO, traffic accidents are the main cause of death among travelers. Be aware of traffic rules and differences.
• Avoid traveling at night
• In countries where health services are inadequate, make sterile packs available to yourself.

Psychological Aspects:

• Travel can spark mood changes, depression, anxiety, and uncharacteristic behaviors (violence, suicidal thoughts, and excessive drug and alcohol use), or it can worsen symptoms in people with existing mental illness.
• Anticipating the possible stresses of travel can help you cope with some of the thoughts and feelings that you may have before, during, or after your trip.
• If you take medicines to treat a mental health condition, continue your normal routine. Be aware of time changes and develop a plan for adherence.
• Take care of your mental health by eating healthfully and exercising regularly

Heat and Humidity:

• Overexposure to sun, sunburn, heat stroke, and dehydration can be prevented with oral hydration and sun protection

Bloodborne Infectious Diseases:

• HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C
• Most commonly transmitted sexually or through needles- Avoid injections, dental procedures, skin piercing, and unprotected sex

Other Infectious Diseases:

• Follow guidelines about any other diseases that might be prevalent in the area in which you are traveling. For example, swimming or wading in fresh water in African countries may place you at risk for schistosomiasis.

• Check for any travel health notices in your country of travel

The following safety matters are of particular concern while working abroad: 

Crime:

• Learn about the crime and security situation in your country of travel. The Department of State’s Country Specific Information Sheets are available for every country of the world
• Check for any travel warnings issued by the Department of State
• Cultural awareness and assimilation may help decrease the likelihood of being a target for crime. Research and learning from those who have traveled to or live in your country of travel is particularly useful
• US citizens and nationals should sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), to receive important info about safety conditions whereever you are traveling

Traveling as a Female:

• Avoid traveling alone. Ideally, travel with a male companion and during the daytime
• Behave confidently and act as if you know where you are going even if you don’t
• Be vigilant when traveling on public transport. Some men may exploit the opportunity to harass female passengers.
• Take your cue from the local women. If they don’t sit alone in cafés or wear tank tops neither should you. Avoid wearing clothing that may be considered provocative or culturally inappropriate.
• Be wary of taxi services and those claiming to help you with luggage

Country-Specific Fact Sheets:

Tanzania

Haiti

Brazil

India