In response to the recent collapse of USAID-funded healthcare commodity supply chains, the governments of Cross River and Bayelsa States have joined forces with Zipline, a medical logistics company, to ensure uninterrupted access to HIV treatments and other essential medical supplies without incurring additional costs to the states.
In a statement released Wednesday, Zipline noted that the global disruption caused by the sudden collapse of donor-funded supply chains has created significant gaps in healthcare delivery. The company said its partnership with the two states builds on existing relationships at both state and federal levels and will play a vital role in reinforcing local health logistics infrastructure.
Currently, Zipline serves more than 650 health facilities and drop points across Bayelsa and Cross River, and has trained over 600 community healthcare workers and mobilizers to bolster healthcare delivery in underserved communities.
Vivien Otu, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, described Zipline’s impact as transformative. “Zipline has been a game-changer for us in Cross River State. The service is reliable and cost-efficient, enabling us to consistently reach residents, especially those in remote and riverine areas, with critical medical supplies,” she said. “We remain committed to adopting technology-driven solutions to enhance our healthcare system and protect the lives and livelihoods of our people.”
Akin Oyediran, Partnerships Executive at Zipline Nigeria, praised both states for their leadership in adopting drone technology to strengthen healthcare supply chains. “The success of Cross River and Bayelsa in using drone deliveries as a healthcare solution is a strong example for other Nigerian states and countries across Africa,” Oyediran said. “Zipline’s system is making health supply deliveries faster and more reliable, helping to build trust and resilience in the healthcare system.”
According to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Nigeria has over two million people living with HIV. Of these, 1,753,425 individuals are aware of their status, including 1,693,457 adults 579,209 men and 1,114,401 women and 54,983 children aged 0–14.
