As the festive season approaches, millions of South Africans are gearing up for travel, whether it’s a family getaway to the lush landscapes of Kruger National Park or an international holiday. Amidst the excitement of planning, it's easy to overlook crucial elements of health and safety in the name of convenience.
This is where Ajuda, a free-to-use digital health platform, steps in with three essential travel hacks designed to help travellers manage their health information securely and efficiently.
Ajuda, co-founded by innovative leaders in technology, offers a seamless digital vault that allows users to upload, store, and access their health information whenever necessary. Allan Macfarlane, the Chief Technical Officer of Ajuda, emphasises the importance of having a digital health vault while travelling: “It acts as a ‘life admin hack’, helping you remember the most crucial thing that travellers often forget—your family’s health information.”
1. Keep track of vaccinations and travel medication
Health safety is paramount, especially when travelling to malaria-endemic areas. Regions such as the Kruger National Park and some neighbouring countries require vigilance against malaria. Travellers are encouraged to seek advice from pharmacists or visit a travel clinic to confirm vaccination requirements.
“The malaria map shifts with climate patterns, so don’t assume your destination is safe because it was during your last visit,” warns Macfarlane. For those travelling to international destinations, getting necessary vaccinations, like yellow fever, is critical. These documents can be easily stored in Ajuda's Vaccination folder for quick access whenever needed.
2. Exercise caution with medication
When it comes to carrying medication across borders, caution is essential. Research the regulations for bringing your medication into another country, as laws can vary dramatically. What may be considered an innocuous over-the-counter drug in South Africa could be illegal elsewhere, resulting in serious consequences for unwary travellers.
Macfarlane suggests travelling with medications in their original packaging. “Make sure your name is on the label, proving it was prescribed to you.” Additionally, Ajuda allows users to upload prescriptions and doctors’ contact information into the Medications folder, ensuring that this information is readily available should airport authorities require it.
3. Take your medical records with you
While home insurance may cover lost possessions, it cannot restore lost medical records. The best course of action when travelling is to ensure you have digital copies saved in a secure place. Macfarlane states, “Storing your health records in a secure digital vault not only makes them easily accessible but ensures they are protected under stringent protocols.”
Thanks to features like Password Protection, Two-Factor Authentication, and encryption, Ajuda guarantees that your sensitive health information is safeguarded. Keeping your medical records up to date within the Ajuda Vault instils significant peace of mind, allowing for easy access to information even when travelling abroad.
“All it takes is to snap a picture of your most crucial health records and upload them. You’re set to go!” concludes Macfarlane, highlighting the simplicity of utilising this high-tech solution.
As South Africans embark on their festive travels, leveraging Ajuda’s digital health platform may just be the secret ingredient for a worry-free holiday experience, enabling peace of mind and streamlined travel planning.
Saturday Star