Moving Scientific Information to the Developing World



381FAQ ID Nr.106-07-31Last UpdatedYes. Dakar is without a doubt safer than any sizeable US or European city. At Mangosteen we select our meeting locations extremely carefully. We know Dakar intimately - it is safe and that's why we are happy to encourage our meeting participants, many of whom will we know be first time visitors to Africa or the developing world, to visit one of West Africa's most vibrant and modern cities.16100Sort Nr.Is Dakar safe?
557FAQ ID Nr.206-07-31Last UpdatedVery, very low - provided that you take the requisite precautions. But the first and most important thing to keep in mind is the weather - if your meeting will be held in the dry season (from November to May) then you will see very few mosquitoes during your trip to West Africa and consequently the likelihood of contracting malaria is practically nil. The weather notwithstanding, we recommend that you take the appropriate anti-malarial prophylactics, use insect repellent and wear long sleeved clothing and cover your legs every evening - more information will be provided to confirmed participants ahead of the meeting.19660Sort Nr.What is the likelihood that I will contract malaria in Senegal?
70FAQ ID Nr.306-07-31Last UpdatedYes. Dakar has a number of trustworthy hospitals, well trained medical specialists and an excellent (privately run) emergency medical service. Dakar is very much the regional focus for healthcare - both for Senegal and The Gambia.17320Sort Nr.Does Dakar have good health services and hospitals?
419FAQ ID Nr.406-07-31Last UpdatedYes, according to the website of the embassy of Senegal in London (http://www.senegalembassy.co.uk/visaAndpassport.html) it is recommended that visitors vaccinate themselves against yellow fever - "Recommended inoculations: Yellow Fever (not compulsory)". Mangosteen recommends that all confirmed participants discuss healthcare precautions with their doctor and/or travel clinic prior to departing to the meeting. To the best of our knowledge, the only time that Senegal requires that you are vaccinated against yellow fever (as opposed to recommending it) is if you are travelling from a region in which the disease is endemic.21180Sort Nr.Is it recommended to be vaccinated against yellow fever before travelling to Senegal?
559FAQ ID Nr.506-07-31Last UpdatedVery, very low - provided that you take the requisite precautions. But the first and most important thing to keep in mind is the weather - if your meeting will be held in the dry season (from November to May) then you will see very few mosquitoes during your trip to West Africa and consequently the likelihood of contracting yellow fever is practically nil. The weather notwithstanding, we recommend that you inoculate yourself against yellow fever, use insect repellent and wear long sleeved clothing when sitting outside - more information will be provided to confirmed participants ahead of the meeting.20180Sort Nr.What is the likelihood that I will contract yellow fever in Senegal?
523FAQ ID Nr.606-07-31Last UpdatedUnfortunately, our first thoughts are primarily that your friends are creating the kind of fear and doubts about West Africa in your mind that Mangosteen is working hard to dispel. Dakar is without a doubt safer than any sizeable US or European city - and certainly a lot safer than most South African cities. At Mangosteen we select our meeting locations extremely carefully. We know Dakar intimately - it is safe and that's why we are happy to encourage our meeting participants, many of whom will we know be first time visitors to Africa or the developing world, to visit one of West Africa's most vibrant and modern cities - it has its annoyances, but these are generally minor, and we wholly expect you to enjoy your time in Dakar, without fearing for your well being.19340Sort Nr.Two South African friends have warned me about safety in Dakar. What are your thoughts?
471FAQ ID Nr.706-07-31Last UpdatedNo, this is not true, unless you are arriving in Senegal from a region which is endemic in yellow fever. For all other visitors to the region it is simply recommended that you vaccinate yourself against yellow fever.20880Sort Nr.I've read that vaccination against yellow fever is a prerequisite to being allowed to enter Senegal - is this true?
265FAQ ID Nr.806-07-31Last UpdatedThe first thing to say is that malaria, for example, is present throughout the whole of Senegal, even in Dakar - so there is no major distinction between the city and country when it comes to health considerations. The second thing to say is, please, whether visiting only the city or the country or both, before you depart for Senegal do make sure to consult with your doctor and/or travel clinic to ask their recommendations on how best to protect yourself against the endemic diseases of the region. Mangosteen is not qualified to provide such advice, and so we choose not to - we are not trained healthcare professionals and all we can do is direct you to the people who are, as well as guiding you somewhat by informing you of the precautions that we take before travelling to Dakar. Link to Mangosteen's Suggested Healthcare Precautions: http://mangosee.com/mangosteen/email/healthcareprecautions.htm Disclaimer: Please the above webpage only contains Mangosteen's suggestions, things that we consider before travelling to Senegal and/or The Gambia. They are only suggestions, not recommendations - we at Mangosteen are not medical practitioners and are not qualified to give such advice - please consult with your doctor and/or travel clinic ahead of departing for the region.15180Sort Nr.I will only be in Dakar during the meeting - I don't intend to leave the city - what are the minimum immunizations that you would recommend that I consider?
511FAQ ID Nr.906-07-31Last UpdatedNo, it's not true. It's not a bad idea to be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis before travelling to Senegal, but it's certainly not a requirement of entry to the country. Mangosteen recommends that all confirmed participants discuss healthcare precautions with their doctor and/or travel clinic prior to departing to the meeting.21700Sort Nr.Someone told me that all visitors to Senegal are required to be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis - is this true?
421FAQ ID Nr.1006-07-31Last UpdatedYes. We recommend that you keep it locked in your hotel room when you are not using it and the likelihood that it will get stolen is negligible. In addition - please make sure that the data on your laptop is well backed up before you leave home - the data is almost certainly more valuable than the computer itself.21460Sort Nr.Is it safe to bring my laptop computer to Senegal?
28FAQ ID Nr.1106-07-31Last UpdatedNot that we know of. However, vegetarian meeting participants have thus far been extremely satisfied with the food options available to them in the city. Such is the way of things in Dakar that it's always possible to mention your personal tastes and requirements to the chef in any given restaurant and they are only to prepare meals to suit.24320Sort Nr.Are there any vegetarian restaurants in Dakar?
608FAQ ID Nr.1206-07-31Last UpdatedFor all estimated costs, including accommodation, during the meeting please see the budget forecast on the following web pages: Meetings in 2007: Malaria 2007 – http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2007/malaria2007/malaria2007budgetforecast.pdf Pathogenic Helminths 2007 – http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2007/helminths2007/helminths2007budgetforecast.pdf HIV/AIDS 2007 http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2007/hivaids2007/hivaids2007budgetforecast.pdf Pneumococci 2007 – http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2007/pneumococci2007/pneumococci2007budgetforecast.pdf Antibiotic Resistance 2007 – http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2007/antibiotics2007/antibiotics2007budgetforecast.pdf Medicinal Chemistry 2007 – http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2007/medchem2007/medchem2007budgetforecast.pdf Meetings in 2008: Hepatitis 2008 – http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2008/hepatitis2008/hepatitis2008budgetforecast.pdf Kinetoplastid Diseases 2008 – http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2008/kinetoplastids2008/kinetoplastids2008budgetforecast.pdf Tuberculosis 2008 – http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2008/tb2008/tb2008budgetforecast.pdf Enteric Pathogens 2008 – http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2008/enterics2008/enterics2008budgetforecast.pdf19240Sort Nr.What's the cost (per night) of a single room at the recommended hotel in Dakar?

381

FAQ ID Nr.

1

06-07-31

Last Updated

Yes.  Dakar is without a doubt safer than any sizeable US or European city.  At Mangosteen we select our meeting locations extremely carefully.  We know Dakar intimately - it is safe and that's why we are happy to encourage our meeting participants, many of whom will we know be first time visitors to Africa or the developing world, to visit one of West Africa's most vibrant and modern cities.

16100

Sort Nr.

Is Dakar safe?

557

FAQ ID Nr.

2

06-07-31

Last Updated

Very, very low - provided that you take the requisite precautions.  But the first and most important thing to keep in mind is the weather - if your meeting will be held in the dry season (from November to May) then you will see very few mosquitoes during your trip to West Africa and consequently the likelihood of contracting malaria is practically nil.  The weather notwithstanding, we recommend that you take the appropriate anti-malarial prophylactics, use insect repellent and wear long sleeved clothing and cover your legs every evening - more information will be provided to confirmed participants ahead of the meeting.

19660

Sort Nr.

What is the likelihood that I will contract malaria in Senegal?

70

FAQ ID Nr.

3

06-07-31

Last Updated

Yes.  Dakar has a number of trustworthy hospitals, well trained medical specialists and an excellent (privately run) emergency medical service.  Dakar is very much the regional focus for healthcare - both for Senegal and The Gambia.

17320

Sort Nr.

Does Dakar have good health services and hospitals?

419

FAQ ID Nr.

4

06-07-31

Last Updated

Yes, according to the website of the embassy of Senegal in London (http://www.senegalembassy.co.uk/visaAndpassport.html) it is recommended that visitors vaccinate themselves against yellow fever - "Recommended inoculations: Yellow Fever  (not compulsory)".  Mangosteen recommends that all confirmed participants discuss healthcare precautions with their doctor and/or travel clinic prior to departing to the meeting.  To the best of our knowledge, the only time that Senegal requires that you are vaccinated against yellow fever (as opposed to recommending it) is if you are travelling from a region in which the disease is endemic.

21180

Sort Nr.

Is it recommended to be vaccinated against yellow fever before travelling to Senegal?

559

FAQ ID Nr.

5

06-07-31

Last Updated

Very, very low - provided that you take the requisite precautions.  But the first and most important thing to keep in mind is the weather - if your meeting will be held in the dry season (from November to May) then you will see very few mosquitoes during your trip to West Africa and consequently the likelihood of contracting yellow fever is practically nil.  The weather notwithstanding, we recommend that you inoculate yourself against yellow fever, use insect repellent and wear long sleeved clothing when sitting outside - more information will be provided to confirmed participants ahead of the meeting.

20180

Sort Nr.

What is the likelihood that I will contract yellow fever in Senegal?

523

FAQ ID Nr.

6

06-07-31

Last Updated

Unfortunately, our first thoughts are primarily that your friends are creating the kind of fear and doubts about West Africa in your mind that Mangosteen is working hard to dispel.  Dakar is without a doubt safer than any sizeable US or European city - and certainly a lot safer than most South African cities.  At Mangosteen we select our meeting locations extremely carefully.  We know Dakar intimately - it is safe and that's why we are happy to encourage our meeting participants, many of whom will we know be first time visitors to Africa or the developing world, to visit one of West Africa's most vibrant and modern cities - it has its annoyances, but these are generally minor, and we wholly expect you to enjoy your time in Dakar, without fearing for your well being.

19340

Sort Nr.

Two South African friends have warned me about safety in Dakar.  What are your thoughts?

471

FAQ ID Nr.

7

06-07-31

Last Updated

No, this is not true, unless you are arriving in Senegal from a region which is endemic in yellow fever.  For all other visitors to the region it is simply recommended that you vaccinate yourself against yellow fever.

20880

Sort Nr.

I've read that vaccination against yellow fever is a prerequisite to being allowed to enter Senegal - is this true?

265

FAQ ID Nr.

8

06-07-31

Last Updated

The first thing to say is that malaria, for example, is present throughout the whole of Senegal, even in Dakar - so there is no major distinction between the city and country when it comes to health considerations.  The second thing to say is, please, whether visiting only the city or the country or both, before you depart for Senegal do make sure to consult with your doctor and/or travel clinic to ask their recommendations on how best to protect yourself against the endemic diseases of the region.  Mangosteen is not qualified to provide such advice, and so we choose not to - we are not trained healthcare professionals and all we can do is direct you to the people who are, as well as guiding you somewhat by informing you of the precautions that we take before travelling to Dakar.  

Link to Mangosteen's Suggested Healthcare Precautions:
http://mangosee.com/mangosteen/email/healthcareprecautions.htm

Disclaimer:  Please the above webpage only contains Mangosteen's suggestions, things that we consider before travelling to Senegal and/or The Gambia.  They are only suggestions, not recommendations - we at Mangosteen are not medical practitioners and are not qualified to give such advice - please consult with your doctor and/or travel clinic ahead of departing for the region.

15180

Sort Nr.

I will only be in Dakar during the meeting - I don't intend to leave the city - what are the minimum immunizations that you would recommend that I consider?

511

FAQ ID Nr.

9

06-07-31

Last Updated

No, it's not true.  It's not a bad idea to be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis before travelling to Senegal, but it's certainly not a requirement of entry to the country.  Mangosteen recommends that all confirmed participants discuss healthcare precautions with their doctor and/or travel clinic prior to departing to the meeting.

21700

Sort Nr.

Someone told me that all visitors to Senegal are required to be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis - is this true?

421

FAQ ID Nr.

10

06-07-31

Last Updated

Yes.  We recommend that you keep it locked in your hotel room when you are not using it and the likelihood that it will get stolen is negligible.  In addition - please make sure that the data on your laptop is well backed up before you leave home - the data is almost certainly more valuable than the computer itself.

21460

Sort Nr.

Is it safe to bring my laptop computer to Senegal?

28

FAQ ID Nr.

11

06-07-31

Last Updated

Not that we know of.  However, vegetarian meeting participants have thus far been extremely satisfied with the food options available to them in the city.  Such is the way of things in Dakar that it's always possible to mention your personal tastes and requirements to the chef in any given restaurant and they are only to prepare meals to suit.

24320

Sort Nr.

Are there any vegetarian restaurants in Dakar?

608

FAQ ID Nr.

12

06-07-31

Last Updated

For all estimated costs, including accommodation, during the meeting please see the budget forecast on the following web pages:

Meetings in 2007:

Malaria 2007 –
http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2007/malaria2007/malaria2007budgetforecast.pdf

Pathogenic Helminths 2007 –
http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2007/helminths2007/helminths2007budgetforecast.pdf

HIV/AIDS 2007
http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2007/hivaids2007/hivaids2007budgetforecast.pdf

Pneumococci 2007 –
http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2007/pneumococci2007/pneumococci2007budgetforecast.pdf

Antibiotic Resistance 2007 –
http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2007/antibiotics2007/antibiotics2007budgetforecast.pdf

Medicinal Chemistry 2007 –
http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2007/medchem2007/medchem2007budgetforecast.pdf


Meetings in 2008:

Hepatitis 2008 –
http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2008/hepatitis2008/hepatitis2008budgetforecast.pdf

Kinetoplastid Diseases 2008 –
http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2008/kinetoplastids2008/kinetoplastids2008budgetforecast.pdf

Tuberculosis 2008 –
http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2008/tb2008/tb2008budgetforecast.pdf

Enteric Pathogens 2008 –
http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/2008/enterics2008/enterics2008budgetforecast.pdf

19240

Sort Nr.

What's the cost (per night) of a single room at the recommended hotel in Dakar?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS LISTED BY CATEGORY (LINK TO FAQ INDEX PAGE)
REGISTERING FOR A MEETING	THE MEETING FEE
FLIGHTS & GETTING THERE (Gambia Only) (Senegal Only)	ROUTES & FLIGHTS BETWEEN SENEGAL & THE GAMBIA
VISAS & VISA REQUIREMENTS (Gambia Only) (Senegal Only)	ACCOMMODATION (Gambia Only) (Senegal Only)
MEETING, LOCATION & ORGANIZATION	ACCOMPANYING GUESTS
ABSTRACTS	SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME
COSTS & DAILY EXPENSES	HEALTH & SAFETY (Gambia Only) (Senegal Only)
MONEY & LOCAL CURRENCY (Gambia Only) (Senegal Only)	LETTER OF INVITATION
WEBSITE & INFORMATION RESOURCES	CANCELLATION
FUNDING	STUDENTS & JUNIOR RESEARCHERS
LOCALLY BASED RESEARCHERS	TENDABA
LOCAL & REGIONAL TRANSPORT (Gambia Only) (Senegal Only)	PREPARING FOR A MEETING
COMMUNICATIONS	TOURISM IN THE MEETING REGION
AFTER THE MEETING

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