Sky High Healthcare: Ethiopia’s First Long-Range Drone Network Achieves Milestone in Medical Deliveries

Bridging the Distance: How Drone Technology is Enhancing Access to Essential Vaccines in Remote Ethiopian Communities

Medical drone delivery in Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s first long-range drone network has successfully completed a month-long project, delivering essential medical supplies, including 6,936 vaccine doses, to six remote communities. The project, which included 44 flights, marks a significant 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. Capable of flying up to 120 kilometers with a 3 kg payload before requiring a battery swap, Kite was able to reach the most remote 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 latest phase in a multi-year initiative to innovate supply chain delivery of healthcare items in the region. This initiative, a private-public partnership formed in 2020, aims to reduce missed vaccinations, target at-risk-zero-dose children, and eliminate medical item stockouts at 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 an additional 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 an additional US$1 million to continue this support through 2024,” says the press release.

Red Lightning, a non-profit organization, played a crucial role in the project, conducting community awareness training and sponsoring the network for the first 30 days. Swoop Aero provided the drone technology, technical support, maintenance, and pilot training. Freight in Time Group (FIT), a leading 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%.

Read more:

• Swoop and Mater Partner for Faster Medical Testing in Queensland
• Swoop Aero Collaborates with FAA and CASA for Joint Type Certification for Kite Delivery Drone
• Swoop Aero in Kenya: New Partnership Will Enable Medical Drone Delivery
• Medical Drone Delivery Pioneer Zipline Valuation Rises to $4.2 Billion
• Zipline and E-Commerce Platform Jumia Begin Retail Drone Delivery in Africa

Miriam McNabb

Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry.  Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.

TWITTER:@spaldingbarker

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Tags: drone delivery in AfricaEthiopian drone networkEthiopian long range drone networkmedical drone deliverySwoop Aero

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