On 14 March 2016, the Government of Malawi and UNICEF
successfully tested the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or drones) to
explore cost effecting ways of reducing waiting times for HIV testing of
infants. As part of the test, simulated blood samples were transported from a community
health centre to the Kamuzu Central Hospital laboratory that is located at a
distance of 10 kilometers. Though drones were used in the past for surveillance
and assessments of disaster, this is the first known use of UAVs in Africa for Improvement
of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) services. After successful completion of
further tests, the drone services well be integrated into the health system
alongside others existing mechanism such as road, transport and short message
service (SMS).
Significance of UAVs for Malawi
The successful completion of tests and integration of UAVs with HIV services of significance for Malawi due to the following scenario. In 2014, nearly 40000 children in Malawi were born to HIV positive mothers. It is also estimated that around 10000 children deaths occur every year due to the infection. The high incidence of death is attributed to the fact that there is a considerable delay in diagnosis of the infection in infants. This is because of transport challenges and associated delays experienced by health workers in remote areas of the country.
Significance of UAVs for Malawi
The successful completion of tests and integration of UAVs with HIV services of significance for Malawi due to the following scenario. In 2014, nearly 40000 children in Malawi were born to HIV positive mothers. It is also estimated that around 10000 children deaths occur every year due to the infection. The high incidence of death is attributed to the fact that there is a considerable delay in diagnosis of the infection in infants. This is because of transport challenges and associated delays experienced by health workers in remote areas of the country.
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