In the wake of ongoing disruptions to United States Agency for International Development-funded supply chains, the Government of Ghana has turned to the autonomous drone logistics company Zipline to ensure the continuous delivery of essential medical supplies across the country.
This partnership follows a stop-work order impacting several USAID programs and a protracted review process that has left many health facilities in limbo. In response, Ghana’s Ministry of Health has fast-tracked the deployment of key health commodities using Zipline’s network of drone delivery hubs to avoid interruptions in patient care.
A statement obtained by Techpoint Africa confirmed that the initiative is helping maintain the flow of crucial medical items such as malaria test kits and treatments, medications for common illnesses including pain and parasitic infections, and nutritional supplements. Current deliveries are focused on the Northern, Northeast, and Eastern Regions, with potential for expansion.
“Zipline’s support, especially their recent delivery of urgently needed drugs, has made a remarkable difference,” said Comfort Addai Fofie, a midwife at Jadema Health Centre in the Northeast Region. “Their timely and reliable service has greatly enhanced our ability to care for patients.”
Notably, the collaboration comes at no additional cost to the Ghanaian government. Zipline confirmed the partnership will run under a flat monthly fee for unlimited deliveries, ensuring predictable and sustainable logistics.
Since launching its first drone delivery service in Rwanda in 2016, Zipline has expanded operations across Africa and beyond. In Nigeria, the company has played a vital role in distributing vaccines and emergency medical supplies. Similar partnerships have been established in Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal to improve healthcare delivery in rural areas.
Daniel Kwaku Merki, Head of Zipline Ghana, hailed the agreement as a significant move toward national healthcare self-reliance.
“Ghana’s swift action to adopt innovative solutions highlights its dedication to strengthening its health system,” Merki said.
In recent weeks, Zipline has increased capacity at its Ghana hubs by 20–50%, enabling hundreds of drone flights daily to reach remote and underserved communities.
As Ghana navigates supply chain challenges, the government’s partnership with Zipline stands out as a model for innovation-driven resilience in healthcare delivery.
