The drones changing healthcare in Botswana
Explore how Drones for Health in Botswana offers the potential to revolutionise healthcare with drone technology, overcoming challenges and soaring to new heights for lifesaving deliveries
In Botswana, where geography and sparse population pose challenges to healthcare access, a groundbreaking initiative is taking flight. The Drones for Health project, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), the United Nations Population Fund, and a Dutch drone company, is soaring to new heights in delivering essential and emergency medical supplies to remote communities.
Botswana, despite being a relatively wealthy and stable African nation, faces healthcare disparities, especially in remote areas, where there is a concerning maternal mortality rate and insufficient access to healthcare. Traditional delivery methods by road fall short in these remote regions, especially given the vast size of Botswana.
Enter the Drones for Health project, launched at the BIUST campus in 2021. Operating initially between towns in eastern Botswana, the project aimed to showcase the efficiency of drones in overcoming geographical barriers. Collaborating with a Dutch drone company, the project has already shown promising results. Delivery times have been slashed by up to 65%, compared to conventional means.
The drones are equipped with sensors to enable precision take-off and landing, altimetry, and height-above-ground monitoring. Crucially, these functions don't compromise the drone's battery life, ensuring maximum flight time – a game-changer for medical deliveries.
As we witness the transformative impact of drones on healthcare delivery, it’s clear that the sky's no longer the limit—the sky is the solution, bringing hope and lifesaving support to those who need it most.