Where We Work | Program
Drones for Health in Mozambique
Background
In 2018, VillageReach began working with the Government of Mozambique to explore how drones could strengthen laboratory sample transportation systems in hard-to-reach areas. The Mozambique National Institute of Health and VillageReach are partnering with the Inhambane Provincial Department of Health to accelerate COVID-19 laboratory testing in Mozambique. Six hard-to-reach district hospitals and health facilities receive daily collection of laboratory samples via two drone hubs in Inhambane Province.
People inspecting drone in field in DRC. (Photo Credit: Henry Sempngi Sanyulye)
How It Works
- Every day, drones collect COVID-19 and other laboratory samples from six hard-to-reach district hospitals and health facilities in Inhambane province.
- Each drone can travel up to 130 km carrying 3 kg (6.6 lb) /5212 cm3, averaging more than 100 km/hour.
- Laboratory samples are delivered to sample collection points, where they are transported by ground to the laboratory for testing.
Program Impact
Phase 2 Drone Program Results*
*from 30 Dec 2020 – 31 May 2022
Partners
Government
- Mozambique Instituto Nacional de Saúde
- Inhambane Provincial Department of Health
- Mozambique Ministry of Health
- Mozambique Civil Aviation Authority
- Amovant
Technical Partners
- Swoop Aero
Donors
- Focusing Philanthropy
- UK Aid
- Frontier Technology Livestreaming
Previous Partners
Government
- None
Technical Partners
- None
Donors
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Related Global Impact
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