Access to life-saving blood supplies in Nigeria is set to improve as the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) partners with Zipline International Nigeria Limited. The collaboration will use drone technology to deliver blood faster and more efficiently across the country.
The project is inspired by Rwanda’s successful drone-powered blood delivery system. It aims to make blood collection, storage, and distribution more effective, especially in remote and underserved areas where medical emergencies are common.
NBSA’s Director General, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, called the initiative a “game-changer” for Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“This partnership is both a life-saver and a time-saver,” Yuguda said. “With Zipline’s expertise, we can ensure that hospitals and health centers receive blood supplies without delays.”
Drones to Revolutionize Blood Distribution
Zipline, known for its innovative logistics technology, has already made an impact in several African countries. The company’s Managing Director in Nigeria, Akin Oyediran, emphasized the importance of using drones to prevent deaths caused by blood shortages.
“We are committed to tackling blood-related emergencies with cutting-edge technology,” Oyediran said. “The NBSA’s willingness to embrace this solution shows a strong commitment to reducing preventable deaths.”
The drones will operate from dedicated distribution centers, delivering blood in minutes to health facilities. This will help hospitals respond quickly to medical emergencies such as childbirth complications, surgeries, and accidents.
Nigeria now joins countries like Ghana and Rwanda in using drones to strengthen their healthcare systems. With this technology, more lives will be saved, especially in rural areas where access to blood supplies has been a long-standing challenge.
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