Sierra Leone’s Directorate of Science Technology & Innovation (DSTI) reports completion of the first delivery of medicines by drone in the country. The drone delivery was completed by UK-based UAVaid as part of the Medical Drone Delivery Project (MDDP) project to improve access to medicines in remote parts of the country. The delivery was conducted to test and demonstrate the use-case of the MDDP at the Mabang Community Health Post in Sierra Leone’s Moyamba District, with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, partnered with The Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), and Crown Agents.
The maiden flight from Rotifunk village to Mabang MCHP took just 13 minutes, a journey which normally takes 2 hours via vehicle, and was celebrated by the local community. In attendance were dignitaries and ministers, including the CIO of Sierra Leone, Dr. Sengeh, who explained the role of innovation and technology in improving access to medicines. The event also brought together officials from The Ministry of Health and agencies including the National Medical Supplies Agency, Ministry of Basic and Senior Education, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Fisheries, UNICEF, and other development partners and community stakeholders.
David Manley, MDDP Project-Lead at DSTI, explained that initially, the MDDP project would focus on improving medicine deliveries to 250 Community Health Centers (CHCs) and hospitals nationwide, and there are plans to expand this to other health posts, significantly improving access to medicines for communities in remote and hard to reach areas of Sierra Leone. He added, “Specifically, in addition to contributing to the reduction of maternal-related deaths, the use of drones presents the possibility of numerous cross-sectoral use-cases and fosters informed decision-making at the highest levels of government.”
Daniel Ronen, co-founder of UAVAid, said “We are extremely proud to be partnering with the government of Sierra Leone on such an important project and helping to improve the healthcare systems of the nation. The use of drones helps overcome the numerous transport and data gathering challenges inherent in operating in such complex contexts.” UAVaid was selected as the preferred drone supplier following a rigorous and transparent selection process from over 30 international companies.
Dr. Lawrence Sandi, Managing Director of the NMSA, whose agency’s mandate is to procure, warehouse, and distribute drugs and medical supplies nationwide said “We are pleased to collaborate with DSTI in bringing this landmark medical intervention to actuality. We are making good progress in transforming healthcare in Sierra Leone with undimmed confidence. We salute all partners involved in the incredible hard work invested in this exercise. This is a win for all of us.”
During the event, Mr. James Houghton, MDDP team member from Crown Agents, explained how the multiple use-case drone operating model would enhance sustainability, a point reinforced by DSTI.
UAV Technical Lead, Rakie Sesay, who also explained that the overall strategy of building a drone ecosystem would encourage cross-sectoral growth across multiple industries including the use of drones in other areas such as agriculture, reforestation, and law enforcement.
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