Zipline, the American drone delivery company, has initiated the delivery of vital medicines to hard-to-reach hospitals in Kaduna, Nigeria. This remarkable partnership between the Kaduna State Government and Zipline, established in 2021, aims to alleviate logistical challenges and enhance the efficient distribution of medical supplies to remote healthcare facilities. Zipline, renowned for designing, manufacturing, and operating delivery drones, has already achieved significant milestones, with over 750,000 commercial deliveries and covering a distance exceeding 40 million miles.
Zipline’s drones play a pivotal role in transporting a wide range of critical medical products, including whole blood, frozen plasma, platelets, cryoprecipitate, vaccines, infusions, and common medications. The process begins at Zipline’s warehouse, where they receive medical products from the Kaduna State Government, subjecting them to rigorous inspections. Each product is meticulously scanned and labeled, complete with identification and expiry dates.
Furthermore, the company manages a stockpile of drugs and vaccines, awaiting orders channeled through a dedicated call center, responsible for handling requests from healthcare facilities. Once an order is placed, the items are carefully packaged in a box equipped with a parachute to ensure a safe landing at their intended destination.
Zipline’s advanced flight operations involve scanning the order’s ID to determine the precise delivery location. Subsequently, the parcel is loaded onto a drone, with a trained operator guiding its journey to the awaiting healthcare facility. These drones operate seamlessly, thanks to their connection to GPS systems and real-time communication with all other drones currently in operation.
Samuel Noma, Zipline’s Operations Manager in Nigeria, emphasized the profound impact the company has had on reducing maternal, infant, and child mortality in hard-to-reach health facilities across Kaduna. He noted that Zipline’s swift response has shattered records by delivering medical supplies in as little as five to forty-five minutes.
Noma outlined the compelling reasons for Zipline’s presence in Kaduna, citing challenges such as insecurity and a lack of storage facilities for thermolabile medications like vaccines. He added, “Zipline’s intervention has significantly curtailed delays in drug and vaccine deliveries to rural areas. Previously, healthcare staff had to cover extensive distances to acquire medical supplies, leaving patients unattended or in prolonged waiting due to unavailability. With our presence, we centralize and warehouse these medications, ensuring that when any healthcare facility requires them, we can swiftly respond to their needs.”
Zipline’s drone delivery services have thus emerged as a transformative solution, ensuring timely and efficient access to essential medical supplies, ultimately saving lives in Kaduna’s hard-to-reach areas.
