Facing disruptions in USAID’s health supply chain, the Government of Ghana has tapped Zipline — the world’s largest autonomous drone delivery network — to keep essential medical products flowing without increasing spending.
Why it matters
A recent halt in USAID-funded programs left medical supplies stranded in warehouses. Ghana is using Zipline’s drone network to fill the gap, delivering everything from malaria meds to nutritional supplements.
“Zipline’s deliveries have been incredibly helpful… Their timely support means a lot to us,” said Comfort Addai Fofie, a staff midwife in the Northeast Region.
How it works
- Zipline hubs can handle hundreds of drone flights a day.
- Deliveries have scaled up 20–50% in the past two months.
- Regional Medical Stores now centralize stock with Zipline for rapid, on-demand dispatch.
- The partnership runs on a flat monthly fee — meaning more reach without extra cost.
Zoom in
Initial efforts are focused on the Northeast, Northern, and Eastern regions. Talks are ongoing to expand service countrywide.
What they’re saying
Daniel Kwaku Merki, Head of Zipline Ghana, said, “Ghana’s proactive approach to mobilising domestic resources and embracing innovative delivery solutions exemplifies its commitment to building a robust health system.
This continued collaboration with Zipline is a clear example of how Ghana is transforming a challenging situation into an opportunity to build a more self-reliant and cost-effective health system – one that ensures critical care reaches every corner of the nation.“
