NIGERIA – Zipline, the logistics and delivery company known for its drone technology, has partnered with the Elton John AIDS Foundation to expand access to HIV prevention and treatment for youth in Nigeria.
This collaboration builds on their previous work in Kenya. The partnership aims to address Nigeria’s supply chain challenges, particularly in delivering antiretroviral therapy (ART).
ART is critical in preventing HIV-positive individuals from developing AIDS and stopping the transmission of the virus.
Using Zipline’s drone delivery network, the partners will distribute HIV-related healthcare products. These products include condoms, test kits, medications, and ART.
They will be delivered to community-based organizations (CBOs) where young people often gather.
This ensures healthcare providers can easily access the necessary tools to offer comprehensive HIV prevention and care.
The partnership also involves key organizations such as the Clinton Health Access Initiative, which will advocate for policy changes in Nigeria.
StrongMinds will provide mental health screenings for at-risk populations. DrugStoc will facilitate easier access to medication refills using encrypted digital vouchers.
Additionally, Zipline and the Elton John AIDS Foundation will work with Heartland Alliance and the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme to engage peer networks and enhance outreach efforts.
Lindsay Hayden, senior portfolio lead at the Elton John AIDS Foundation, emphasized the focus on high-risk youth. This includes LGBTQ+ adolescents and young women.
By leveraging Zipline’s advanced drone technology, the foundation aims to provide a modern, convenient, and all-encompassing healthcare solution. This solution will reach youth where they are most likely to gather.
Zipline has been operational in Nigeria since 2022, delivering vaccines, medications, and other health products to hospitals, health facilities, and community drop points.
In September, at the UN General Assembly, Zipline and the Nigerian Ministry of Health announced plans to expand its drone delivery services to address critical health challenges such as malnutrition, malaria, and maternal mortality, especially in hard-to-reach and vulnerable populations.
The Elton John AIDS Foundation is playing a pivotal role in funding this initiative. Their support helps improve healthcare access across Nigeria.
It also supports the broader goal of providing life-saving HIV care to those in need. Through this expanded partnership, Zipline and the Foundation aim to create a comprehensive and sustainable model for HIV care.
They are leveraging technology to bridge healthcare gaps and empower local communities.
