Global drone logistics company Zipline is expanding its reach in Kenya, following its recent partnership with Kericho County in the Rift Valley region, to enhance access to medical supplies for health facilities using drones.

Launched at the Sigowet sub-county Hospital by Kericho County Governor Dr Erick Mutai Kipkoech, the collaboration is expected to revolutionise healthcare for both emergencies and routine care in the area, enabling the swift delivery of life-saving supplies such as vaccines, blood products, anti-venom, and anti-rabies treatments to over 200 healthcare facilities.

“With this partnership, patients with diabetes or snake bites, common issues in the Soit Sigowet region, will now receive real-time delivery of critical medicines,” said Dr Mutai.

“This technology will also minimise delays in accessing life-saving interventions, ensuring that pregnant women and other patients will no longer need to be referred to other facilities solely because of the non-availability of medicines and other health products, especially those needed in emergencies.”

Zipline first introduced itself to African healthcare service providers with the delivery of blood products to remote hospitals in Rwanda. Since then, the company has grown in strength and size, expanding into Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya; among other countries.

The company even diversified, from transporting just medical supplies, to groceries and other small packages. Now, with over one million successful autonomous drone deliveries completed, the company’s technology has redefined healthcare logistics in multiple countries.

A 2022 study published in The Lancet concluded that by centralising Rwanda’s blood supply and delivering in on-demand, Zipline reduced blood expiries by 67 percent between 2019-2019.

Kericho is hoping to benefit from the same too.

The region has joined Kisumu as the second county in Kenya to integrate drone technology into its healthcare delivery systems. Through this partnership, drones will be utilised to streamline inventory management, minimise waste, and lower costs by optimising resource allocation.

“Our drones operate in all weather conditions, day or night, in high winds, and even during the rainy season,” said Luke Barasa, Zipline Kenya’s Country Operations Manager said.

“This resilience ensures we fulfil our mission of saving lives. Whether there’s a medical emergency at night or during a storm, our drones will deliver the necessary supplies, ensuring no one is left without critical care.”

Most importantly, the dream is to see this partnership supporting improved health outcomes in the county. A study by Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania found that in Rwanda, Zipline reduced in-hospital maternal mortality due to postpartum haemorrhage by 51 percent.

Kericho County hopes to realise these same or greater benefits from utilisation of drone delivery.

Recognizing the challenges posed by staff shortages and the integration of new technology, Kericho County has initiated measures to confirm contract staff, creating a more supportive work environment.

Dr Peter Mugun, Medical Superintendent at Sigowet sub-county Hospital, highlighted the county’s commitment to providing healthcare workers with the necessary training, resources, and recognition, ensuring the smooth adoption of Zipline’s technology. 比特幣賭博網站

Beyond healthcare, Zipline’s initiative is set to create local employment opportunities and drive innovation in Kericho County. All Zipline’s employees in Kenya are Kenyan.

Zipline says the potential of its drones extends beyond healthcare, with applications in agriculture, disaster relief, and other sectors, promising to serve as a model for broader technological adoption across Kenya and beyond.