The National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) has partnered with Zipline International Nigeria Ltd. to deploy drone technology for the swift and efficient distribution of blood supplies across the country.
Speaking on the initiative in Abuja on Wednesday, NBSA Director-General Saleh Yuguda described it as a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“The agency is fully committed to ensuring the success of this project. This partnership is a significant step toward strengthening healthcare delivery. It is both a life-saving and time-saving solution,” Yuguda stated.
Akin Oyediran, Managing Director of Zipline Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to addressing blood-related emergencies through advanced technology. He commended NBSA for embracing innovation, noting that the collaboration aligns with Zipline’s mission to reduce preventable deaths caused by delays in blood supply.
“With this initiative, Nigeria joins a growing number of countries leveraging drone technology to enhance healthcare services and emergency response,” he said.
Modeled after Rwanda’s successful drone-powered blood distribution system, the project aims to improve the collection, storage, and timely delivery of blood, particularly to remote and underserved areas. The adoption of drones is expected to minimise delays and prevent unnecessary loss of lives due to blood shortages.
Credit: NAN (Text Excluding Headline)
