In response to ongoing disruptions in United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded supply chains, the Government of Ghana has partnered with autonomous drone logistics company Zipline to maintain the flow of essential medical supplies across the country.
The decision comes after a stop-work order affecting numerous USAID programs and an extended review process that has left many health facilities facing uncertainty. To prevent gaps in care, the Ministry of Health has prioritised the rapid deployment of critical health commodities using Zipline’s existing network of drone delivery hubs.
According to a statement seen by Techpoint Africa, the partnership allows for an uninterrupted supply of medical essentials, including malaria test kits and treatments, medications for pain, cough, and parasitic infections, as well as nutrition supplements. These deliveries are being concentrated in the Northeast, Northern, and Eastern Regions, with discussions underway to expand further.
“Zipline’s support in delivering essential medical supplies, including their recent delivery of some much-needed drugs to our facility, has been incredibly helpful in enabling us to discharge our duties effectively,” said Comfort Addai Fofie, a staff midwife at Jadema Health Centre in the Northeast Region. “Their timely deliveries and excellent collaboration have made a significant impact on our work.”
According to Zipline, the Ghanaian government incurs no new costs as the collaboration will operate under a flat monthly fee for unlimited deliveries.
Zipline, which launched its first drone delivery service in Rwanda in 2016, has since expanded across Africa and globally. In Nigeria, the company has supported vaccine distribution and emergency medical deliveries across several states. It has also operated in Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, where it has partnered with ministries of health to improve rural access to life-saving medicines.
Daniel Kwaku Merki, Head of Zipline Ghana, described the partnership as a step toward national self-reliance.
“Ghana’s proactive approach to mobilising domestic resources and embracing innovative delivery solutions exemplifies its commitment to building a robust health system,” Merki said.
Over the past two months, Zipline has scaled operations at its Ghanaian hubs by 20–50%, supporting the government’s efforts to manage increased demand without complex rerouting or delays. Each hub can dispatch hundreds of autonomous drone flights daily, reaching remote communities that have historically struggled with access to timely medical care.
