Zipline Ghana has urged the government to expand medical drone delivery services nationwide. This expansion aims to significantly reduce Ghana’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR), which currently stands at 235 deaths per 100,000 live births. This figure is substantially higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Mr. Daniel Kwaku Merki, Country Director of Zipline Ghana, stated that drone technology improves timely access to essential medical commodities. It also helps reduce stock-outs and wastage within the healthcare supply chain. He shared these insights during an interview with The Ghanaian Times, discussing technology's role in strengthening the country's healthcare system.
Ghana recorded approximately 965 institutional maternal deaths in 2025 alone. This alarming number prompted the Ministry of Health to launch the 'Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme' (MMARP). The MMARP aims to reduce this threat by at least 30% across 11 referral and teaching hospitals over the next two years. Expanding drone services aligns with these national efforts to improve maternal health outcomes.
Mr. Merki cited an impact study of Zipline’s operations in the Ashanti region. Hospitals served by the company recorded a 56.4% reduction in maternal mortality. The study also showed improvements in facility-based deliveries and antenatal care visits. He believes these positive outcomes can be replicated nationwide through expanded access to the technology.
“The study showed that it was a combination of factors, including patient behaviour that contributed to the results,” Mr. Merki explained. “Pregnant women knew that when they travelled two or three hours to a facility, the medical commodities would be available. Why should this happen in Ashanti Region or Western North alone? Why can't we ensure that all Ghanaians get access to this kind of impact and benefits?”
Zipline’s system allows for central storage and rapid delivery of medical commodities to health facilities. Some deliveries reach facilities within 30 to 40 minutes. Mr. Merki dismissed concerns that drone delivery adds financial cost to the health system. He argued that the technology can generate savings by reducing wastage and improving the utilisation of medical commodities.
The company is ready to support government efforts to expand primary healthcare to underserved communities. This complements efforts to achieve universal healthcare coverage (UHC), especially as Ghana pursues self-reliance in healthcare financing. Zipline is also exploring opportunities beyond healthcare, including agriculture, livestock vaccination, and disaster response. This broader application could contribute to rural development.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is central to Zipline’s operations. Mr. Merki sees opportunities for collaboration with Ghanaian technology companies, including startups developing telemedicine and other digital health solutions. Such partnerships can bridge the gap between digital healthcare services and the physical delivery of medicines and other medical commodities.
Zipline’s immediate objective is to expand the health benefits demonstrated across the country. The ultimate goal is for Zipline’s infrastructure to become integrated into Ghana’s broader health system. It also aims to support rural economic development beyond healthcare. “Becoming national infrastructure and delivering this service at scale is really critical to the health impact, and we don’t want to lose that opportunity,” Mr. Merki concluded.