Neonatology in Tunisia

Neonatology is a field of medicine that focuses on caring for newborn babies, particularly ill or premature newborns. It is a subspecialty of pediatrics. A medical professional who specializes in neonatology is called a neonatologist. The difference between a pediatrician and a neonatologist is that, while pediatricians are qualified to solve most health problems of newborns, neonatologists are trained specifically to handle the most complex and high-risk situations. Neonatologists can also provide antenatal consultation for women with certain risk factors, such as multiple births. 

Neonatologists’ main patients are newborn infants who are ill or in need of special medical attention due to congenital malformations (birth defects), low birth weight, prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction, pulmonary hypoplasia, seizures, hydrocephalus, birth asphyxia, or sepsis. In general, neonatologist provides the following care:

• Antenatal consultation (consultation during pregnancy) for women with certain risk factors or when a problem is identified before the baby is born.
• Care for newborns at delivery due to issues or conditions in the mother or baby that may require intervention in the delivery room.
• Diagnose and treat newborns with conditions, such as birth defects, infections, and breathing disorders.
• Make sure that critically ill newborns receive the correct nutrition to recover and grow.
• Medically manage newborns who are critically ill, born premature, or in need of surgery.
• Treat and stabilize newborns with any life-threatening medical problems.
• Give comprehensive care to newborn babies by involving obstetricians, pediatricians, and family physicians.
• Educates parents or caretakers about disease prevention and wellness.

Some of the diagnostic tests and treatments that neonatologists perform include newborn screening tests, imaging tests (such as CT scans and MRI), laboratory tests, APGAR scores, breathing treatments, phototherapy, and surgical procedures.

How Long Should I Stay in Tunisia?

The length of stay in Tunisia depends on the mother’s and the baby’s condition and the type of treatment they receive. In most cases, the baby may need to stay in the hospital for two to three weeks. However, you should not leave Tunisia immediately after your baby is discharged. It generally takes at least 8 weeks until it is safe for your baby to fly on an airplane or travel a long distance. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

The specific condition of your baby and the treatment they underwent will determine the recovery time. It can take a day to several weeks until the baby’s condition stabilize and then starts to improve.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your neonatologist will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your baby during and after their recovery period. Make sure to follow all of the instructions. You may also need to take your baby for regular checkups. However, you can choose to have these checkups with your local doctor at home if you prefer. 

What's the Success Rate?

Neonatology continues to improve and advance each year. With advances in pediatric anesthesia and airway management, the establishment of NICU, a better understanding of transitional neonatal physiology, and the introduction of total parenteral nutrition have improved the survival rates of newborn babies who need neonatal surgery. Of course, there are still risks and side effects to be aware of, but the procedures are now safer than ever.

Are there Alternatives?

For complex and high-risk situations in newborn babies, there are no other alternatives than seeing a neonatologist.

Neonatology in and around Tunisia

About Tunisia

Tunisia is one of the few countries which can cater to everyone and it manages to combine climate, golden beaches, history, and shopping for an “all-around” experience. It has a high standard of healthcare and an excellent reputation for cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic and plastic surgeons are regulated by the Tunisian Ministry of Health and the private clinics have state-of-the-art equipment and English-speaking staff. Tunisia welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of whom travel for Neonatology procedures. Medical Tourists travel from all across the globe, particularly from Europe and neighboring African countries with an inferior healthcare system. Popular medical tourism destinations outside of the capital, Tunis, include Sousse and Mahdia

Popular Parts of Tunisia

• Tunis, the country’s capital, is overflowing with a history that dates from the 4th Century BC. The city is divided into two parts, the old city known as the medina and the new city (or Ville nouvelle in French). Many tourists visit Tunis to see the Archaeological Site of Carthage which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beautiful Islamic architecture in medina also attracts many tourists to the city.
• Tozeur is known as a home to an enchanting desert oasis, which was a place to rest and refuel for caravans crossing the Sahara. Another main attraction in the city is the medina, where tourists can find lines of beautiful brick-patterned traditional dessert houses. Chott el Djerid, Sahara’s largest salt pan, is a popular day-trip destination.
• Sousse is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It offers good beaches with a clear blue sea. The city has been fought over by the Romans, Arabs, and Europeans, giving it a colorful history and culture. Sousse Archeological Museum is one of the most visited sites in the country; it has the second largest collection of mosaics in the world.
• Hammamet is the country’s original tourism resort. The city has beautiful gardens filled with oranges, lemons, and other citrus plants. It also has wonderful sandy beaches with crystal clear water. Just like any other city in Tunisia, this city is also brimming with interesting histories. Sites such as The Gafsa Museum and Bardo Museum will give insights about the Islamic faith and culture.
• Douz, also known as “the gateway to the Sahara.” Tourists who want to experience the Sahara Desert come to this city. Take a camel trip or a 4-wheel-drive into the Sahara or see the Museum of the Sahara that has an interesting collection portraying traditional Saharan life.

Weather and Climate in Tunisia

The North of Tunisia has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with mild rainy winters and hot summers. The South and inland areas have a tropical desert climate.

The weather is relatively comfortable throughout the year. Summer starts in June and lasts until August. The average temperature is between 28 °C to 32 °C with July and August being the hottest months. The heat is not as bad on the coast because of the seaside breeze. Be aware that July to September is the jellyfish season.

The heat decreases in autumn and the weather is somewhat more comfortable. There are occasional rain showers in September. The temperature in October can be like summer during day time, but cold at night. October has more rain than September. The season lasts for three months from September to November with an average temperature of around 19 °C to 29 °C.

The weather in winter can be uncertain. The average temperature is between 16 °C and 18 °C, but it can drop to 7 °C at night and below 0 °C in highlands and deserts and a clear sky is rare during this season.

Spring comes in March and the temperature can rise to 20 °C. Mornings and nights are cold; there is still a high probability of rains and thunderstorms at the end of this season.  

Getting Around in Tunisia

Tunisia has several international airports. The main airport is Tunic-Carthage International Airport. It has international connections with major European countries and the Middle East. The airport is the hub for Tunisair, Tunisair Express, and Nouvelair. Other airports that have international flights are Enfidha-Hammamet, Monastir Habib Bourguiba, Djerba-Zarzis, and Tabarka-Aïn Draham.

Taxis and buses are available to get to the city center from Tunis Airport. The SNT bus line departs every 30 minutes from the airport, the ticket costs less than 1 TND. There is also the TUT bus which departs every 15 minutes and is more luxurious and expensive.

Airport taxis are available at the airport taxi stand and are usually metered. Always make sure that the driver turns the meter on before riding the taxis. A journey to the city should cost around 5 TND. An extra cost will be added if you have baggage.

Getting around in Tunisia can be done by several transportation modes. Tunisair Express provides domestic flights between Tunis, Tozeur, Djerba, and Gabes. The Train is also available and the national train company in the country is SNCFT that runs modern and comfortable trains from Tunis to Sousse, Sfax, and Monastir. There are three classes of service that tourists can choose. The fare from Tunis to Sousse is between 6 to 10 TND. The long-distance bus is an economical option to travel between big cities such as Tunis, Hammamet, and Nabeul. The buses usually depart every 30 minutes.

Tourist Visas in Tunisia

Citizens of 97 countries (including Australia, China Singapore, the United States, and Russia) can visit and stay in Tunisia for up to 90 days without a visa. Other nationalities are advised to check with their local Tunisia embassy. Tunisia provides an online visa application for nationalities that needs a visa to enter. The eVisa will simplify the process of obtaining travel authorization to enter the country.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: the local currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND). 1 USD converts to 2.61 TND.

2. Money & Payments: ATMs can be found in most cities and in all tourist areas. Many ATMs have withdrawal limits of 400 TND. Credit cards (MasterCard and Visa) are accepted in major cities and tourist areas. They can be used for shops, car hire, or top-end accommodation. Always make sure to carry cash if you want to travel outside major cities. Tipping is not necessary but will be appreciated.

3. Local Language: Arabic is the official language of Tunisia. French is very common due to the country’s former status as a French protectorate. English is still very limited except in the tourist areas and expensive hotels.

4. Local Culture and Religion: Islam is the major religion with 98% of the population identified as Muslim. There is a small group of Christian and Jews. Since most of the population is Muslim, always remember that the dress code is important in Tunisia.

5. Public Holidays: Tunisia celebrates major Islam holidays. The country hosts several annual festivals throughout the year such as The International Festival of the Sahara, Yasmine Hammamet Festival, and the International Festival of Carthage.