Ethiopia launches drone delivery of vaccines and medicines

The Ethiopian Ministry of Health has begun delivering essential medicines and vaccines using drones to areas at risk of Marburg virus infection. The country has started implementing a strategy to protect residents of remote and hard-to-reach areas. This was reported by Fana Media Corporation, a partner of TV BRICS.

Drones delivered vaccines to the Dassanech Woreda region in southern Ethiopia in just a few minutes. It is noted that previously, the same task took several hours to complete by land due to the difficult terrain.

According to the ministry, the innovation demonstrates the country's potential in the field of epidemic prevention and control through the introduction of advanced technological solutions, including cooperation with the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service.

Officials also noted that the programme is an important step towards enhancing the use of domestic technological capabilities to address public health emergencies. A plan is currently under development to expand and strengthen similar medical delivery services in other regions.

Photo: george tsartsianidis / iStock