In a groundbreaking move, drones are emerging as a transformative force in addressing healthcare challenges in underserved rural communities. The World Bank reports that as of 2021, 47.25% of Nigeria’s population resides in rural areas, and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency highlights that six out of 10 Nigerians lack quality primary healthcare services, with only 43% having access to quality services.
Drones, traditionally associated with military surveillance, have evolved beyond their initial applications. From agriculture to cinematography, transportation, and logistics, these unmanned aerial vehicles are now spearheading medical deliveries in remote areas. Notably, developed countries like China, Japan, the United States, and Australia have paved the way for drone deliveries.
A logistics and delivery company, Zipline, is leading the charge in Nigeria, using autonomous electronic drones named Zips. These drones are equipped with robust hardware and software designed to withstand various weather conditions. Zipline’s innovative approach involves storing key medical supplies, including blood products, vaccines, and life-saving medications, at distribution centers for just-in-time delivery.
Health workers in remote areas can place orders via text message or phone call, receiving their deliveries within an impressive 30-minute timeframe. The drones, taking off and landing at Zipline’s distribution hub, require no additional infrastructure at the clinics they serve. With a payload capacity of 1.8 kilograms, a cruising speed of 110 kilometers per hour, and a round-trip range of 160 kilometers, these drones operate autonomously, even in challenging weather conditions.
Zipline’s drones have flown millions of autonomous miles, delivering vaccines, blood units, and critical medications to health facilities across Kaduna, Bayelsa, and Cross River states in Nigeria, benefiting over 25 million people. In June, in collaboration with the Cross River State government, Zipline facilitated the delivery of over 5,000 vaccine doses to hard-to-reach areas, ensuring timely administration to infants who had previously missed vaccinations due to vaccine unavailability.
In Ghana, Zipline has completed over 370,000 deliveries, including vaccines, medical supplies, and blood products, demonstrating the potential for this technology to bridge healthcare gaps in remote regions.
While the efficiency of drones in medical deliveries is evident, concerns have been raised about their operation. Frank Nnaji, an unmanned aerial systems specialist and Managing Director of Aero Recon Productions, emphasized the importance of experienced operators in controlling drones, recognizing their efficiency when in the right hands and potential dangers when misused.