Nigeria Adopts Drone Technology for Faster Blood Delivery

Nigeria’s healthcare system is set for a major transformation as the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) partners with Zipline International Nigeria Limited to deploy drone technology for efficient blood distribution across the country.

Inspired by Rwanda’s successful blood service model, this collaboration aims to enhance the collection, storage, and delivery of blood, particularly in remote and underserved areas. By ensuring timely blood supply to hospitals and health centers, the initiative seeks to reduce delays that often lead to preventable deaths.

Prof. Saleh Yuguda, Director General of NBSA, hailed the partnership as a groundbreaking step toward improving healthcare delivery. He emphasized his commitment to its success, calling the initiative both a “life-saver and time-saver.”

Similarly, Akin Oyediran, Managing Director of Zipline Nigeria, highlighted the company’s mission to tackle blood-related emergencies through advanced technology. He praised NBSA for embracing innovation, stating that this initiative aligns with Zipline’s goal of minimizing preventable deaths caused by blood shortages.

With the introduction of drone-assisted blood delivery, Nigeria joins a growing number of countries leveraging technology to bridge healthcare gaps and strengthen emergency medical response efforts.