Drones tested to deliver HIV diagnosis results

In an experimental first, the Malawi government and UNICEF tested the use of drones to explore cost-effective ways of reducing waiting times for HIV testing of infants.   The test, using simulated samples, has the potential of providing a high-speed delivery system for HIV diagnosis.  The week-long test of this innovative approach is intended to address challenges of providing HIV diagnosis results and treatment to hard-to-reach rural areas

Bad roads, poor transport, and lack of funds to access existing transport often force Africans to wait months for HIV test results and critical medical supplies.   Drones would dramatically reduce these waiting times.

 This innovation could be the breakthrough in overcoming transport challenges and associated delays experience by health works in remote areas of Malawi, said Mahimbo Mdoe, UNICEF representative.

According to Mdoe, in 2014, nearly 40,000 children in Malawi were born to HIV-positive mothers.   Quality care for these children depends on dearly diagnosis.

In 2014, about 10,000 children in Malawi died from HIV-related diseases and less than half of all children were on treatment.   Today it takes an average of 11 days for samples to get from a rural health center to the central laboratory for testing, and up to eight weeks for results to be delivered back.   The longer the delay between test and delivered results, the more detrimental it is to the patient.

One challenge is persuading African rural communities to accept new technology they have never seen.    The drone test was preceded by demonstrations allowing villagers to see and touch the drones.   Drones were also dismantled so people could see how they carried cargo.   “It’s very important that they are not fearful of the technology,” said UNICEF communications specialist Angela Travis.    “But all has gone without a hitch. . . .The reaction has been very positive.”

Initial delivery results were also positive and following the drone test cost will be evaluated and compared to UNICEF’s expenditure of $15 million annually just for delivery of blood samples.

“Malawi has pioneered a number of innovations in the delivery of HIV services, “said Malawi Minister of Health Dr. Peter Kumpalume.  “We believe our partnering with UNICEF to test drones is another innovation and will help in our drive to achieve the country’s goals in HIV prevention and treatment.”

Today is a day to celebrate the amazing results of the last 15 year fight against malaria.    World Malaria Day commemorates the date in 2000, when 44 African leaders met in Nigeria and committed their countries to reducing malaria-related deaths.

Between 2000 and 2015, malaria mortality has fallen by 60% globally, saving 6.2 million lives.  The number of malaria cases has fallen by 37% globally, and it is estimated that there have been 1.2 billion fewer malaria cases.  Fifty-seven countries reduced malaria incidence by more than 85%, and an additional 18 reduced malaria incidence by 50 to 75%.

UN Special Envoy for Health Ray Chambers calls the fight against malaria over the past 15 years one of the greatest success stories in the history of public health.

According to Mr. Chambers we did not accomplish all of this by chance:  “The last 15 years have shown us that only when we double down on efforts and move collectively toward clear, time-bound goals can we prevail over this age-old scourge.”

In addition to the 44 African leaders who pledged to take this path in 2000, Asian leaders have joined the fight.  Dozens of global partners have contributed funds, staff, supplies, and expertise to enable us to achieve these amazing results:   the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the US government, the UK government, millions of individuals who have donated to the many non-governmental agencies working to end malaria.

As Mr. Chambers reminds us, this is more than a numbers game—it means healthy children living past their 5^th birthdays and growing into talented young people who will drive innovation and burgeoning economies.  “The end of malaria is within our grasp,” he said.   “Now it is our collective obligation to meet the call:”   To end the malaria pandemic and eradicate the disease for good.