How drone technology is bridging vaccination gap in C’River’s rural communities —Health practitioner

A community health officer in Ijiraga Community Primary Healthcare Centre, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River, Mr Augustine Okutu, has disclosed that the use of drone technology is bridging vaccination gap in rural communities.

Okutu made the call on Monday during a visit by journalists to the site to test the effectiveness of using Zipline-powered drones to improve the delivery of vaccines, drugs and other medical supplies in rural areas.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that Zipline is one of the world’s largest autonomous delivery system, specialising in on-demand drone delivery.

It partnered with the government of Cross River State with its facility in Ndok in Ogoja Local Government Area to support the government in delivering on its mandate of providing access to healthcare to rural dwellers.

According to the community health officer, the drone system had helped them to reduce their preaching of the importance of vaccination and immunisation in rural areas.

“Now, there is an increased demand for immunisation and vaccination with the vaccines that dropped from the drones and not the ones from our cold chain stores,” he said.

Okutu further said that the drone technology has saved them the cost of moving out of the health facility to look for drugs and other medical needs.

He said the people believe that the items delivered by the drones were from trusted sources, noting that the acquisition of fake or expired drugs was eliminated.

Focal Person for the Primary Healthcare Centre in Nfuma in Yala Local Government Area, Mr Raphael Obok, said the response for vaccination has increased as people now come to be vaccinated without being forced.

“We no longer travel to get drugs and vaccines but from the comfort of our facility we just call or text Zipline and in a matter of minutes, we get what we need through a drone delivery.

“The drone technology has come as a fulfillment of all the parametres of primary healthcare which include affordability, availability and accessibility,” he said.

Earlier, in an interview, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk said Zipline’s efforts in the state were commendable and strengthened healthcare delivery.

He added that the state was consolidating plans to establish another Zipline facility in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state to serve the Southern senatorial district.