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As disruptions to USAID’s global aid programs continue, Ghana has taken swift action to ensure vital medical supplies reach its citizens without delay — or additional cost. In a decisive move, the Ghanaian government has deepened its partnership with Zipline, a US-based company known for using drones to deliver medical goods, to maintain consistent access to life-saving health commodities.
The move comes in response to a recent stop-work order and extended review affecting all USAID-funded programs. The disruption has raised concerns in many countries that rely on USAID for essential health support. In Ghana, however, officials are working around the issue by leaning on Zipline’s network of autonomous drone delivery hubs to step in and fill the gap.
Without spending any additional taxpayer money, Ghana is now delivering more medical products — faster and farther — than it did under previous systems. Zipline’s drones, which can perform hundreds of flights a day from each hub, have enabled authorities to prioritize the delivery of medicines for malaria, pain relief, cough, parasitic worms, and nutritional deficiencies. These efforts are especially critical as climate change worsens malaria risks due to increased rainfall and shifting weather patterns.
The expanded deliveries currently cover Ghana’s Northern, North East, and Eastern Regions, with more areas expected to be added soon. Zipline has scaled its operations in the past two months, increasing deliveries by 20 to 50 percent. Instead of navigating complex supply chains, regional health officials have centralized their inventory with Zipline for on-demand drone delivery straight to clinics and hospitals.
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The result? A health system that’s more agile, responsive, and efficient. By eliminating overlapping logistics once managed by USAID and its partners, Ghana is reducing waste while increasing access.
“Zipline’s support in delivering essential medical supplies has been incredibly helpful,” says Comfort Addai Fofie, a midwife at Jadema Health Centre in the North East Region. “Their timely deliveries and excellent collaboration have made a significant impact on our work.”
Daniel Kwaku Merki, head of Zipline Ghana, emphasizes the importance of local innovation. “Ghana’s proactive approach to mobilising domestic resources and embracing innovative delivery solutions exemplifies its commitment to building a robust health system,” he says.
Zipline’s work in Ghana is not new — it has operated in the country since 2019, and the government funds its services through a flat monthly fee that covers unlimited deliveries. This model, according to both Zipline and Ghanaian health authorities, allows the country to stretch its healthcare dollars further by reducing transportation costs and improving access to medicine in remote areas.
As US-funded health programs face increasing uncertainty abroad, Ghana’s example shows how locally led solutions can keep critical services running. And in this case, the skies above Ghana are playing a key role in keeping communities healthy — one drone at a time.
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