Access to life-saving blood supplies has received a major boost as the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) partners with Zipline International Nigeria Limited to deploy drone technology for efficient blood delivery across the country.
The collaboration, which draws expertise from Rwanda’s blood service model, aims to enhance the collection, storage, and distribution of blood, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The innovative approach will ensure that hospitals and health centers receive timely blood supplies, reducing delays that often result in loss of lives.
Speaking on the initiative, the Director General of NBSA, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, described the partnership as a groundbreaking step toward improving Nigeria’s healthcare system. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring the success of the project, calling it both a “life-saver and time-saver.”
Similarly, Akin Oyediran, the Managing Director of Zipline Nigeria, highlighted the company’s mission to address blood-related emergencies through cutting-edge technology. He praised the NBSA for its forward-thinking approach, noting that the agency’s embrace of technology aligns with Zipline’s goal of reducing preventable deaths caused by blood shortages.
With the introduction of drone-assisted blood delivery, Nigeria joins a growing list of countries leveraging technology to bridge healthcare gaps, further strengthening the national response to medical emergencies.
