In 2025, Zipline, working with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, dramatically expanded its drone delivery operations to reach remote riverine communities in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. This partnership tackles the state’s unique challenges—like frequent flooding and poor road access—to deliver vital medical supplies, including vaccines, quickly and reliably.
Key 2025 Achievements in Bayelsa:
Bayelsa was among the first two Nigerian states (with Kebbi) to roll out the RTS,S malaria vaccine, with over 20,000 children in hard-to-reach areas receiving their first dose by April 2025, delivered by drone.
Zipline expanded to 73 of Bayelsa’s 83 wards and set up around 80 new drop sites to improve access for underserved families.
Drones now complete deliveries in just 15–45 minutes, maintaining the cold chain for vaccines that would otherwise require hours of boat travel.
The partnership supports more than just vaccines—essential medicines, blood, and nutrition supplies are also delivered. For example, during maternal health week, Zipline served 81 facilities across six Local Government Areas.
The initiative has helped reduce vaccine stockouts to under 1% in target areas, earning praise from state and federal health leaders, including Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Pate.
IDEA SME & Industries of Interest featured Zipline for its impact in transforming healthcare logistics, as well as for its humanitarian contributions across Africa.
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