The National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) has partnered with Zipline International Nigeria Limited to deploy drone technology for the efficient delivery of blood supplies across the country.
The collaboration, inspired by Rwanda’s successful blood service model, aims to improve the collection, storage, and distribution of blood, particularly in remote and underserved areas. By ensuring timely delivery to hospitals and health centres, the initiative seeks to reduce delays that often result in loss of lives.
Speaking on the development, NBSA’s Director General, Professor Saleh Yuguda, described the partnership as a groundbreaking step towards improving Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the project’s success, calling it both a “life-saver and time-saver.”
Similarly, Akin Oyediran, Managing Director of Zipline Nigeria, commended NBSA for its forward-thinking approach.
He stated that the use of drone technology aligns with Zipline’s mission to tackle blood-related emergencies, ultimately reducing preventable deaths caused by blood shortages.