Half of the world’s population have limited access to healthcare — but help may be on the way in the form of medical delivery drones. Drones, also known as unmanned aircraft vehicles, can fly long distances over dangerous terrains to deliver medication, vaccines, blood and other samples, and diagnostic kits. Drones can help to ramp up national healthcare systems, and connect hospitals and laboratories with patients, improving outcomes and reducing waiting times, especially in remote communities.

In order for healthcare supply chains to switch to drones, they must be cost-effective. Proof of concept for healthcare delivery by drones is continually evolving but early pilot studies have shown that collaborations between government, humanitarian aid organizations, funders and drone system partners can extend healthcare access in remote, underserved and Indigenous communities worldwide.