The Elton John AIDS Foundation & Zipline Drones Aid HIV Care

Drone technology is transforming industries worldwide, including the autonomous vehicle sector and now healthcare in Africa. In Nigeria, where HIV poses a significant public health challenge, a transformative partnership between Zipline, the global leader in autonomous logistics, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation aims to change the way healthcare is delivered.

The collaboration builds on their successful model in Kenya, where over 55,000 young people have already received HIV screenings and preventative care through Zipline's innovative drone-based delivery system.

Addressing Nigeria's HIV crisis

Nigeria bears one of the most significant HIV burdens globally, with more than 1.9 million people living with the virus. Alarmingly, young people aged 15 to 24 account for 41% of new infections, yet only 10% receive life-saving antiretroviral therapy. The gap in care is primarily due to supply chain challenges, including shortages of essential items like test kits, medications, and condoms.

By integrating Zipline's advanced logistics system, which utilises AI-driven technology and real-time data tracking, the partnership aims to ensure consistent availability of HIV prevention and treatment services across Nigeria.

Caitlin Burton, Senior Vice President of Partnerships at Zipline, stated, "Research from Rwanda and Ghana shows that on-demand delivery guarantees treatment availability where patients seek it, dramatically improving health outcomes." 

Innovative solutions for youth-centered care

The partnership focuses on reaching Nigeria's youth, especially vulnerable groups like LGBTQ+ adolescents and young women, with essential services. These include contraceptives, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), HIV tests, and medications delivered directly to community-based organisations (CBOs).

Dr Lindsay Hayden, Senior Portfolio Lead at the Elton John AIDS Foundation, stated:

"By leveraging Zipline's cutting-edge delivery infrastructure, we're creating a modern, convenient, and comprehensive 'one-stop shop' for youth care in Africa." 

The program addresses not only the physical but the mental health needs of young people. With poor mental health increasing the risk of HIV by fourfold, services include mental health screenings alongside sexual and reproductive health care.

The program addresses not only the physical but the mental health needs of young people. With poor mental health increasing the risk of HIV by fourfold, services include mental health screenings alongside sexual and reproductive health care.

Overcoming barriers to healthcare

In addition to supply chain inefficiencies, stigma and discrimination often prevent youth from seeking care. Delivering services to trusted community organisations ensures privacy and accessibility. The approach empowers young people to access care in environments free from judgment.

from judgment.

The initiative includes partnerships with organisations like:

• Heartland Alliance and ECEWS to foster peer networks that encourage HIV testing and treatment.
• StrongMinds for mental health screenings.
• DrugStoc enables discreet medication refills through encrypted digital vouchers.
• Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) for advocating policy changes to ensure program sustainability.

Scaling for nationwide impact

Learnings from the partnership will inform the federal government's plans to scale up Zipline's drone infrastructure across Nigeria. The Elton John AIDS Foundation is among the first supporters of this bold vision to improve healthcare access and equity nationally.

"Expanding this work in Nigeria builds on our success in Kenya, delivering life-saving health services to high-risk youth," said Lindsay.

A blueprint for the future

With a focus on convenience, privacy, and reliability, this partnership between Zipline and the Elton John AIDS Foundation aims to redefine HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in Nigeria. As it scales, the program may serve as a blueprint for addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in other regions, advancing global health equity through innovative solutions.

Since 2016, Zipline has operated the world's most extensive autonomous logistics system, delivering millions of items across four continents. With its electric drones completing deliveries every 65 seconds, Zipline combines speed, cost-efficiency, and sustainability to revolutionise supply chains and ensure equal access to critical goods.

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