HIV supply airdrops in Kenya may save thousands of lives

The Elton John AIDS Foundation has partnered with transit company Zipline and the Kisumu County, Kenya, government to send HIV medication and testing kits to major population hubs across Kenya.

“Over the past seven years, Zipline has shown that when you give access to its instant logistics and delivery system to health centers you can significantly improve the quality of care, patient outcomes and the satisfaction of health care workers,” said Prof. Anyang Nyong’o, Governor of Kisumu County, in a statement. “We believe that by bringing Zipline’s critical infrastructure to Kenya, we will strengthen our health system, give people the medicines they need, when they need them, and better educate young people who can make better, healthier choices.”

Related:

Biden-Harris administration provides new round of funding for low-income people with HIV

The $1.4 billion grant is part of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.

This program allows medical providers in Kenya to order supplies directly from Zipline, where it can take as little as half an hour for medication to arrive. This is part of a three-year plan to supply the region with HIV-related necessities.

Global perspectives delivered right to your inbox

Our newsletter bridges borders to bring you LGBTQ+ news from around the world.

Daily

Weekly

Good News

Kenya has the third largest HIV epidemic in the world, with around 1.7 million people living with HIV throughout the East African nation. 42% of new cases are in young folk aged 15 to 24.

The initiative aims to support over 14,000 young people who need to routinely test for HIV, 8,000 at-risk adolescents to help them start PrEP, and give treatment to over 1,000 young people living with HIV.

So far, the program has reached over 80,000 young people, and these airdrops often happen at concerts or sports matches.

“Equal access to proper medication is vital in ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Through this historic partnership with Zipline and community-based partners, we can better provide necessary medications when and where they are needed, outside of conventional health settings and in the areas young people frequent most,” said Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, in a statement. “When the right information and services directly engage youth where they are, they will make better, safer choices. This will lead to reduced HIV infection and improved health outcomes for themselves, those they love, and their peers.”

Zipline claims that this initiative has significantly improved the overall health of the country, with increases in vaccines and essential medical supplies across medical centers.

“Our instant delivery service streamlines supply chains, allowing governments and health providers to bring care to people when they need it,” said Winfred Njeri Muiruri, Head of Zipline Kenya, in a statement. “The start of our work with the Kisumu government, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and community partners brings us one step closer to offering this service to millions more people.”

Don't forget to share: