Zipline delivered Nigeria’s first drone-delivered blood to Kauru Rural Hospital in Kaduna State.
Zipline’s Pambegua distribution facility got an emergency request for whole blood to save one of the patients brought to the hospital mid-afternoon on June 6. Zipline fulfilled the request since they received some processed blood products for the first time from a recent blood drive as part of their corporate social responsibility.
Since August 2022, Zipline has delivered medical supplies to many Kaduna State health institutions as part of its cooperation with the state government. According to health authorities, the prompt distribution of these items has dramatically improved healthcare delivery by reducing patient referrals due to medication shortages.
Zipline General Manager Catherine N. Odiase said the organisation is dedicated to reaching all patients with important medications when they need them. We’ve worked hard to contact as many health establishments as possible. This was our first blood delivery in Nigeria, even though we had delivered pharmaceuticals in three states. She stated, “We had a blood drive that generated 30-units, some of which have been processed and given to our distribution centre for emergency delivery to health institutions.”
Dr Sarah Ibrahim, Medical Director of Kauru Rural Hospital in Kaduna, said, “We have seen a crucial moment that highlights the great potential of technology in promoting healthcare.” Zipline’s drone delivery of blood to our hospital saved time and showed the transformational power of creative solutions. The importance of this occasion inspires us with optimism and enthusiasm for healthcare’s future as we anxiously anticipate its beneficial influence on our community and beyond.”
Zipline’s unique delivery methodology shows its ability to fill national healthcare shortages. Nigeria’s huge geography and enormous population make medical supply delivery to rural places difficult. Zipline addresses this by delivering essential goods to individuals in need.
In Rwanda and Ghana, Zipline’s drone delivery service has overcome storage, transit, weather, and distance issues to improve medical supply deliveries. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, autonomous drones can handle difficult terrain, bad weather, and busy metropolitan areas. With a range of 160 kilometres and a payload capacity of 1.8 kg, the drones can easily carry life-saving medical items, including blood, vaccinations, and vital pharmaceuticals.
Zipline’s Community Lead in Kaduna State, Kwasu Kanchok, said, “The historic blood delivery by Zipline in Nigeria stands as a testimony to the potential of innovation in revolutionising healthcare systems.” Each successful delivery saves lives and provides communities with vital medical supplies. This milestone allows drones to help solve healthcare issues and ensure no one is left behind.
Kaduna, Bayelsa, and Cross River States are Zipline’s present locations. The firm has provided 800,000 (Eight Hundred Thousand) doses of standard vaccination vaccines and 1,500,000 doses of other vaccines.
