6 hours Ago By News Ghana
News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, News Ghana, https://newsghana.com.gh/ghana-turns-to-drone-delivery-to-safeguard-medical-supplies-after-usaid-disruptions/Facing supply chain disruptions from USAID-funded programs, Ghana’s government has expanded its partnership with drone logistics company Zipline to maintain uninterrupted delivery of critical medical supplies without additional costs.
The move comes as health authorities work to mitigate potential shortages, particularly of malaria treatments, amid climate-related disease spread.Zipline’s existing drone network already operating in Ghana’s Northeast, Northern, and Eastern Regions has increased deliveries by 20-50% in recent months. The system transports malaria tests, pain relievers, deworming medications, and nutritional supplements directly to health facilities, bypassing traditional supply chain bottlenecks.
Each distribution hub can conduct hundreds of autonomous flights daily, enabling rapid response to localized needs.“For years we’ve invested in this system with a fixed monthly fee structure,” said Daniel Kwaku Merki, Head of Zipline Ghana. “Now that foresight is paying off as we scale up seamlessly during this transition period.
” The company’s electric drones have completed over 100 million autonomous kilometers globally, including delivery of 20 million vaccine doses.At Jadema Health Centre in the Northeast Region, staff midwife Comfort Addai Fofie reported the drones recently averted a drug shortage. “Their timely deliveries mean we can keep treating patients without interruption,” she said.
Regional Medical Stores have consolidated inventories with Zipline, replacing fragmented logistics with on-demand access for remote clinics.The partnership reflects Ghana’s broader strategy to build health system resilience through technology. By leveraging existing infrastructure during the USAID program review, officials aim to demonstrate how autonomous delivery networks can provide budget predictability while improving last-mile access to medicines.
With climate change intensifying malaria risks particularly after heavy rains the drone system’s ability to bypass flooded roads adds another layer of health security.As discussions continue about expanding Zipline’s coverage, the collaboration highlights how African nations are localizing medical supply chains through innovation. The model could inform other countries seeking to reduce dependence on external aid programs while meeting Sustainable Development Goals for health access.
News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, News Ghana, https://newsghana.com.gh/ghana-turns-to-drone-delivery-to-safeguard-medical-supplies-after-usaid-disruptions/.
