In a notable advancement against malaria, Zipline, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the County Government of Kisumu, introduced drone delivery services for essential medical supplies like blood and vaccines within the Lake Region Economic Bloc [LREB]. This initiative aims to bolster Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage [UHC] efforts by enhancing healthcare accessibility.
Addressing the logistical hurdles of blood transportation such as intricate supply chains, short shelf lives, and inconsistent demand Zipline has instituted a centralized stock system with on-demand delivery capabilities. This system guarantees the delivery of critical blood products to health facilities within a 45-minute window. Initially focusing on Kisumu and Homa Bay counties, Zipline plans to expand this service across Kenya, working in conjunction with the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Services and the Kisumu Regional Blood Transfusion Center.
The urgency of these efforts is underscored by the World Health Organisation’s statistics, which indicate a high malaria prevalence of 19% among children aged 6 months to 14 years in the lake endemic zone, significantly above the national average of 6%. The introduction of drone technology by Zipline marks a pivotal step in mitigating malaria’s impact, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
Simultaneously, Zipline has begun distributing vaccines, authorized by the National Vaccines and Immunization Program [NVIP], across the LREB. This initiative, which launched in Kisumu to coincide with World Malaria Day, highlights the critical timing and potential impact of the drone delivery service in reducing malaria mortality rates.
Zipline’s services extend beyond vaccine distribution to include the delivery of malaria tests and treatments, aiming to eliminate barriers to malaria testing and treatment in Kisumu. As stipulated by Miki Sofer, Zipline’s Vice President of Health Partnerships, this development is celebrated as a significant achievement in partnership with the Kisumu government to enhance healthcare access on World Malaria Day.
The initiative aligns with national and county efforts towards UHC. As part of this push, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, through his Deputy Dr. Mathews Owili, praised the strategic partnership with Zipline, which has completed over 6,300 deliveries of life-saving supplies since February 2023.
Zipline’s commitment to improving healthcare logistics is evident from its ongoing operations in Rwanda and Ghana, and now in Kenya. The launch from its Chemelil distribution center symbolizes a major stride in Kenya’s battle against malaria, leveraging cutting-edge drone technology to ensure the timely and efficient distribution of medical supplies across the region.
