Innovation That Matters

Supply drones could help prevent unwanted pregnancies in Ghana

Sport & Fitness

The UNPF is currently flying condoms, birth control pill and other medical supplies to the Upper East Region of Ghana using a fleet of long-flying UAVs.

We have seen numerous examples of drones being used to transport medicinal goods and emergency supplies to those in need. Now, the United Nations Population Fund — UNPF — is adopting the same model to get contraception to women in West Africa.

The UNPF is currently flying condoms, birth control pill and other medical supplies to the Upper East Region of Ghana using a fleet of long-flying UAVs. The drones, which are five feet wide and can carry up to 4.5 pounds of cargo, will help to get contraception to places that have previously been difficult to access due to very poor roads. If this initial fleet is successful, the UNPF plans to expand the program to other countries including Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique. The drones can reduce what would have previously been a two day journey to a 30 minute flight.

Are there other resources that could be delivered by drone, to those who might otherwise have been denied them?

Email: muffuh@unfpa.org

Website: www.unfpa.org