Botswana has been placed among countries requiring updated malaria prevention advice for travellers from the United Kingdom. This follows a review by British health authorities amid continued concerns over malaria infections among overseas visitors.
The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Malaria Expert Advisory Group (UKMEAG) published revised malaria prevention guidelines for 2026 on 17 June, updating country-specific risk assessments and recommendations for travellers visiting malaria-prone destinations.
Botswana was among 13 countries whose malaria descriptions were revised as part of the latest review, alongside neighbouring Namibia, South Africa and Eswatini, as well as countries including India, Myanmar, Sudan and Papua New Guinea.
The updated guidance provides advice to UK healthcare professionals and travellers on malaria risks, available antimalarial medicines and precautions for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and individuals with special health risks.
The UKHSA warned that malaria continues to pose a serious threat to travellers, with several UK residents dying from the disease each year after visiting malaria-risk countries.
‘Each year several UK travellers die from malaria after visiting malaria risk countries, with most travellers who catch malaria reporting travel to Africa,’ the agency said.
The updated guidance includes revised malaria descriptions and new risk maps for several countries, reflecting changes in malaria transmission patterns and the need for travellers to seek appropriate medical advice before departure.
Malaria is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes and remains a major public health concern in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Travellers who are not immune to the disease are considered at higher risk of severe illness if infected.
Health authorities advise travellers visiting malaria-risk areas to consult medical professionals before travel, take recommended preventive medication where necessary, use insect repellents, sleep under mosquito nets where appropriate and seek urgent medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever after returning from affected regions.
The UK’s updated advisory comes as Botswana continues efforts to strengthen malaria control measures, particularly in northern parts of the country where transmission risk is historically higher.
Reports show that Botswana has made significant progress in reducing malaria cases over the years through surveillance, mosquito control programmes and improved access to treatment. However, periodic outbreaks and seasonal transmission continue to require sustained prevention measures.
It is understood the revised UK guidelines are expected to influence travel health advice for thousands of British visitors to Botswana which is one of the United Kingdom’s key tourism markets.