Zipline, a prominent global company specializing in autonomous drone logistics, has formed a partnership with Kericho County in Kenya’s Rift Valley to improve the delivery of medical supplies to over 200 healthcare centers through drone technology. The initiative, inaugurated by Governor Dr. Erick Mutai at Sigowet Sub-County Hospital, aims to enhance healthcare accessibility by ensuring prompt delivery of crucial items like vaccines, blood products, anti-venom, and treatments for rabies.
Zipline has been a trailblazer in integrating drone technology into healthcare logistics since 2016, starting with blood deliveries in Rwanda. Having successfully completed over one million autonomous deliveries, Zipline is now extending its services to Kericho after implementing similar solutions in Kisumu County.
Governor Mutai underscored the significance of this collaboration in addressing healthcare obstacles, especially in hard-to-reach areas like Soit Sigowet, where timely treatment for conditions such as diabetes and snake bites is essential.
35 health facilities have already been selected for the first phase of the initiative. More facilities are awaiting approval in the coming months. The launch took place in Sigowet because the region frequently experiences snakebite incidents.
The Zipline drones are reliable and have life-saving capabilities, they function regardless of weather conditions, ensuring continuous availability of medical supplies even during emergencies.
Image source: Zipline Africa