KARIBU KENYA - UNON - the United Nations Office at Nairobi

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exceptions of Lake Naivasha, Mount Kenya and the Aberdares.The anopheles mosquitoes that carry malaria are common at the coast, in Baringo and in most of the national parks.These mosquitoes bite mainly at dusk and during the night, so the most important guards against malaria are to spray yourself with a good repellent (preferably one containing DEET), to wear trousers, socks and long-sleeved shirts, and to sleep under a treated mosquito net. Malaria generally causes symptoms such as headaches, aching limbs, fever and chills 10 days to two weeks after being infected (although these timelimits are not set in stone). If you have travelled to a malarial area and you subsequently get a fever, you should consult a doctor immediately – even if you have been taking a prophylaxis. With the rising resistance of some malaria strains to traditional antimalarial drugs, you will invariably encounter conflicting opinions about malaria prophylaxis.The UN Medical Service recommends the traditional combination of chloroquine and paludrine together with the newer mefloquin (Lariam), although there remain many more options available.What is important is to find a balance between effective medicines and potential negative side-effects. The UN Medical Service will be very happy to advise staff on what prophylaxis might best suit them and their dependents. Updated information on malaria and antimalarial drugs is also available on the WHO website at www.who.int. Dog Bites Although there has been little rabies in Nairobi, the disease is endemic in Kenya. If you are bitten by a dog or another animal that could be infected (such as cats and monkeys), it is important to immediately scrub the wound with soap, apply an antiseptic, and consult your doctor. If it is possible to impound the animal, it will also help in determining their rabies status. Even if you have been vaccinated against rabies, you will still require a short course of anti-rabies inoculations. Dog owners are strongly advised to keep their annual rabies vaccinations up to date. HIV/AIDS The prevalence of HIV/AIDS has grown rapidly in Kenya in recent years, with Nairobi as one of the principal ‘hotspots’ of infection. Comprehensive information on the risks of contracting the virus and means of protecting 52 • KARIBU KENYA
against it is available, in total confidence, from the UN Joint Medical Service on the ground floor of F-Block. As well as providing free HIV counselling and testing, the UN Medical Service also facilitates access for HIV-positive staff to a ‘one-stop clinic’ at the Aga Khan Hospital, which provides free anti-retroviral drugs, personal counselling, and medical and dietary advice to employees of subscribing agencies. For more information, please contact the UN Medical Service, in complete confidence and without fear of discrimination, on 622267. You may also visit the UN website dedicated to assisting UN employees in learning more about HIV/AIDS: http://unworkplace.unaids.org/. The UN community in Kenya also has a Learning Team established to improve staff knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Call 624082 for more information. Nairobi has also seen the arrival of hundreds of Voluntary Counselling & Testing (VCT) centres around the city in recent years. VCT centres outside the UN Gigiri Complex include: AMREF Clinic, Wilson Airport 501301 Amani Centre, Mbagathi Way 602672 KEMRI 2725016. Medical Services in Nairobi Nairobi is designated as a UN evacuation centre for surrounding countries, and the city has some top-class private hospitals and medical facilities offering a wide range of specialist treatment, including state-of-the-art scanning and MRI technology and excellent dental and ophthalmic services. As most specialist medical practitioners will only accept patients referred to them by a general practitioner or a medical clinic, the UN Medical Service suggests that all newly arrived employees select a doctor on the recommendation of their colleagues, embassy or neighbours. A list of some of the excellent physicians and dentists practicing in Nairobi can be obtained from the UN Medical Service. The UN Medical Service Operated under the auspices of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, the UN Medical Service offers a comprehensive variety of medical services to all UN employees, including emergency treatments and evacuations, vaccinations CHAPTER 7: HEALTH & HYGIENE • 53
Page 1:
KARIBU KENYA An orientation guide f
Page 4 and 5:
Credits: Written by Ralph Johnstone
Page 6 and 7:
iv CHAPTER 5: AT HOME IN NAIROBI Ho
Page 9 and 10:
Acknowledgements The production of
Page 11 and 12: CHAPTER 1: KENYA Life in Kenya Ever
Page 13 and 14: new nation.The blood shed in the In
Page 15 and 16: The Economy Following strong econom
Page 17 and 18: daily lives. However, some cultural
Page 19 and 20: CHAPTER 2: NAIROBI The ‘Green Cit
Page 21 and 22: again reared its ugly head when sui
Page 23 and 24: 3 5 6 A kaleidoscope of Kenyan cult
Page 25 and 26: CHAPTER 3: GOVERNMENT & INTERNATION
Page 27 and 28: UN International Headquarters Unite
Page 29 and 30: CHAPTER 4: SAFETY & SECURITY Stayin
Page 31 and 32: ■ Good perimeter lighting. ■ Se
Page 33 and 34: ■ Keep valuables in the boot or o
Page 35 and 36: slightest suspicion of intruders in
Page 37 and 38: CHAPTER 5: AT HOME At Home in Nairo
Page 39 and 40: Among the most comfortable furnishe
Page 41 and 42: handful of residential areas.The va
Page 43 and 44: children’s ayah will expect in th
Page 45 and 46: Shipping & Freight Forwarding Trans
Page 47 and 48: in Karen (883029) and David Long, a
Page 49 and 50: CHAPTER 6: Facilities & Services Ed
Page 51 and 52: Society offers an annual ‘Know Ke
Page 53 and 54: includes damage to your vehicle cau
Page 55 and 56: Hire Cars Only by hiring cars from
Page 57 and 58: elt between Mombasa and Kisumu, inc
Page 59 and 60: All bulk mail sent in boxes or cart
Page 61: CHAPTER 7: HEALTH & HYGIENE Staying
Page 65 and 66: Emergencies In the case of an emerg
Page 67 and 68: CHAPTER 8: WORKING IN NAIROBI Worki
Page 69 and 70: Cafeteria next to Block G (622496).
Page 71 and 72: e refunded by your agency. National
Page 73 and 74: still mandatory for them to hold th
Page 75 and 76: Early morning at the Nairobi Railwa
Page 77 and 78: The African Butterfly Research Inst
Page 79 and 80: history with a stunning display of
Page 81 and 82: Theatres, Cultural Centres & Galler
Page 83 and 84: Restaurants Nairobi boasts itself a
Page 85 and 86: A Maasai junior elder looking out o
Page 87 and 88: innovative lodges, which is co-owne
Page 89: The main carriers serving the touri
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KARIBU KENYA - UNON - the United Nations Office at Nairobi

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