Where We Work | Program
Drones for Health in Malawi
Background
Since 2016, VillageReach has been supporting the Ministry of Health of Malawi and its local partners such as UNICEF to test the feasibility and cost implications of using drones to transport lab samples, blood, vaccines and medicines to address maternal health emergencies and other diseases. In May 2021, VillageReach began working with Swoop Aero to integrate drones into the national health supply chain.

(Photo Credit: Henry Sempangi Sanyulye)
How It Works
- Our plan is to to expand drone flights in 105 + hard-to-reach health facilities in 20 health districts, covering the entire Southern and Northern regions of Malawi.
- Each drone can travel up to 130 km carrying 3 kg (6.6 lb) /5212 cm3, averaging more than 100 km/hour.
- In addition to routine monthly vaccine deliveries, drones are being used for on-demand deliveries and vaccination campaigns as well pick-ups of laboratory samples of many infectious diseases and health facility reports.
Program Impact
Phase 2 Drone Program Results*
Malawi Drones for Health Program


174,747 km flown

1,583+ kg of health products delivered
5,357 lab samples collected


*from 30 Dec 2020 – 30 April 2023
Partners

Government
- Malawi Ministry of Health
- National & District Health Offices , and Health Facilities
- Department of Civil Aviation – leads the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA)
- Technical Working Group (TWG)

Technical Partners
- Swoop Aero
- Community and traditional leaders
- Community members

Donors
- Crown Family Philanthropies
- Focusing Philanthropy
- UPS Foundation, UPS Healthcare
Related Global Impact
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