Bridging the Distance: How Drone Technology is Enhancing Access to Essential Vaccines in Distant Ethiopian Communities
Ethiopia’s first long-range drone network has successfully accomplished a month-long project, delivering essential medical supplies, including 6,936 vaccine doses, to 6 distant communities. The project, which included 44 flights, marks a big advancement in healthcare delivery in Ethiopia’s most isolated regions.
The drone network, operated by Australian drone company Swoop Aero, utilized their automated, remote-piloted aircraft, Kite. Able to flying as much as 120 kilometers with a 3 kg payload before requiring a battery swap, Kite was in a position to reach essentially the most distant clinics via a midway battery swap location, effectively doubling the network’s reach from the distribution hub.
The project was funded by Red Lightning and operated by Freight in Time and the Information Network Security Agency (INSA). It represents the newest phase in a multi-year initiative to innovate supply chain delivery of healthcare items within the region. This initiative, a private-public partnership formed in 2020, goals to cut back missed vaccinations, goal at-risk-zero-dose children, and eliminate medical item stockouts on the local level.
The local communities have responded positively to the project. The collaborative effort demonstrates the potential of innovation, technology, and community engagement in improving healthcare access and saving lives in Ethiopia. An expansion of the medical drone network has been approved, with the network set to double in size and run for a further 90 days starting in early 2024. “The UPS Foundation and global vaccine alliance GAVI have provided financial support for this PPP since 2022 and have generously committed a further US$1 million to proceed this support through 2024,” says the press release.
Red Lightning, a non-profit organization, played a vital role within the project, conducting community awareness training and sponsoring the network for the primary 30 days. Swoop Aero provided the drone technology, technical support, maintenance, and pilot training. Freight in Time Group (FIT), a number one local and regional supply chain company, showcased their supply chain management expertise, improving on-shelf availability at Last Mile Health Facilities from 41% to 95%.
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