- Zipline’s drones are known for their speed and eco-friendliness.
- Zipline’s provision of timely vaccine deliveries is poised to play a pivotal role in curbing malaria mortality rates in the region.
- This innovative company uses autonomous drones to deliver essential supplies, transforming logistics across Africa and beyond.
By Zachary Ochieng
Ministry of Health has partnered with San Fransisco-based company, Zipline to deliver vaccines and drugs in the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) through drone services.
This move was welcomed by the county government of Kisumu, as the county officials saw it ripe to help achieve timely delivery of health services amid enhanced rainfall in the region.
To achieve this, Zipline will adopt a centralized stock approach and implement on-demand delivery, ensuring that any health facility within its service radius receives the necessary products within 45 minutes.
According to the agency, transporting blood and its products to patients has been faced with significant challenges due to complex supply chains, short shelf life, and fluctuating demand.
Collaborating with the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Services and the Kisumu Regional Blood Transfusion Center, Zipline will commence deliveries in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties before gradually extending its reach to other regions.
“The launch of drone deliveries for blood and vaccines is a transformative moment for healthcare in Kenya, this technology has the potential to revolutionize access to critical medical supplies, particularly in remote areas, and significantly reduce malaria burden,” Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, commented following the launch.
Zipline will also undertake the distribution of vaccines, sanctioned by the National Vaccines and Immunization Program (NVIP), to health facilities across the LREB.
The timing of this launch coincides with World Malaria Day, underscoring the significance of the endeavour as LREB counties grapple with malaria prevalence.
Zipline’s provision of timely vaccine deliveries is poised to play a pivotal role in curbing malaria mortality rates in the region.
In Kisumu, Zipline’s focus on malaria extends beyond vaccine delivery to encompass the distribution of malaria tests and treatments, aiming to eliminate missed opportunities for testing and treatment.
“We are here to celebrate one of the many milestones from our partnership with the County Government of Kisumu to reach the unreachable and enable healthcare access.
Today, on World Malaria Day, we have launched the delivery of life-saving blood and vaccines that are critical to curbing the effects of severe malaria”, said Miki Sofer, Zipline Vice President of Health Partnerships.
The launch of drone delivery services aligns with the National and County Government’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
By enhancing access to life-saving interventions, such as blood transfusions and vaccines, this initiative will contribute significantly to the realisation of UHC goals.
In a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy Dr Mathews Owili, Kisumu governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o stated that this was one of the strides necessary to achieve the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program.
The launch of drone deliveries for blood and vaccines on World Malaria Day is a powerful symbol of Kenya’s commitment to fighting this deadly disease. With Zipline’s technology and the dedication of the Ministry of Health and county governments, Kenya is well-positioned to make significant strides in malaria control and elimination.
Zipline, which has been operating in Rwanda and Ghana since 2016 and 2019 respectively, launched its commercial deliveries in Kenya in February 2023, serving the Kisumu region, and since then has successfully made over 6,300 commercial deliveries out of its state-of-the-art distribution center in Chemelil.
The launch followed the signing of a partnership agreement with the County Government of Kisumu. The agreement established a Zipline distribution hub in Chemelil, which serves as the base of operations for its unmanned aerial system (UAS) and services, capable of serving health projects across the county and beyond.
About Zipline
Zipline, a leading drone delivery service, has achieved a major milestone: one million deliveries to customers worldwide.
This innovative company uses autonomous drones to deliver essential supplies, transforming logistics across Africa and beyond.
Zipline’s drones are known for their speed and eco-friendliness. They’ve flown over 70 million miles on four continents, all with zero emissions.
The company has gained significant funding from major investors, solidifying its position as a leader in drone delivery.
Focus on Healthcare, Speed, and Accessibility
Zipline CEO Keller Rinaudo sees healthcare, quick commerce, and food delivery as the company’s key markets. He envisions a future where Zipline makes one million deliveries daily, partnering with top companies to reshape logistics with autonomous drones.
In Africa, Zipline has had a major impact. Ghana, for example, played a key role in the one-millionth delivery milestone. There, Zipline works closely with the government and health ministry. Since its launch, Zipline has completed over half a million drone deliveries in Ghana, including crucial medical supplies like vaccines, blood products, and animal health medications. These deliveries have benefitted over 17 million Ghanaians and saved an estimated 6,000 lives through emergency deliveries.
Vaccinations, Livestock, and More
Zipline’s drones have delivered 12.2 million vaccine doses in Ghana, including COVID-19 vaccines. This has increased vaccination rates by 21% and reduced missed vaccinations by 44%, potentially saving an additional 727 lives. Zipline’s reach extends beyond healthcare. They’ve vaccinated 104,000 cattle against Anthrax and delivered 10.4 million poultry vaccines, protecting both animals and humans.
Hope Across Africa
Zipline’s impact goes beyond Ghana’s borders. They operate in Rwanda, Kenya, Côte D’Ivoire, and Nigeria, providing hope for improved healthcare access and disease prevention. In Rwanda, Zipline delivers 75% of the blood supply outside the capital city, significantly reducing deaths from childbirth complications. Additionally, their agricultural deliveries have increased farmer productivity by 10%.
Collaboration is Key
In Kenya, Zipline works with the Elton John AIDS Foundation to deliver HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment medications. Similarly, in Nigeria, they collaborate with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to reach remote areas and ensure children receive life-saving vaccinations.
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Zipline’s Future
Zipline’s ability to adapt and tailor its services reflects their commitment to meeting diverse needs. Their one-millionth delivery milestone highlights their dedication to improving healthcare outcomes and addressing critical needs across Africa. As Zipline continues to innovate and expand, they are well-positioned to shape the future of healthcare delivery, not just in Africa, but around the world.
