Gladness Gideon
In response to the recent collapse of USAID-funded supply chains for healthcare commodities, Cross River and Bayelsa State governments have partnered with logistics firm Zipline to maintain the supply of HIV treatments at hospitals and healthcare facilities, ensuring continued access at no extra cost to the state governments.
The move comes amid the ongoing foreign aid freeze imposed by the Trump administration in January 2025, which has disrupted critical healthcare delivery systems globally. According to a statement released by Zipline on Wednesday, the abrupt halt in USAID funding has had severe consequences, including the loss of more than 40,000 lives worldwide due to the unavailability of HIV antiretroviral drugs.
“With the stop-work order now extended by an additional 30 days, Nigerian national and state governments are stepping up to ensure that their citizens continue to have access to life-saving medication,” the statement read.
In Cross River and Bayelsa, Zipline has swiftly taken over antiretroviral therapy deliveries for 33,000 people living with HIV, delivering thousands of doses within days of the USAID system shutdown. Plans are also underway to resume the distribution of malaria, tuberculosis, and nutrition care, services previously reliant on donor funding.
Zipline, which has been operating in Cross River since 2023, has delivered over two million vaccine doses, helping the state achieve the highest vaccination coverage in Nigeria. The logistics firm now serves more than 650 health facilities and drop points across the two states, having trained over 600 community healthcare workers to bolster local health capacity.
Dr. Vivien Otu, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, praised the initiative, stating, “Zipline has been a game-changer for us in Cross River State. The service is reliable and cost-efficient, making it easier to consistently reach residents across the state, particularly in rugged and riverine areas, with the medical supplies they need.”
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Similarly, Akin Oyediran, Partnerships Executive at Zipline Nigeria, emphasized that Cross River and Bayelsa’s success in integrating drone technology into healthcare supply chains serves as a powerful model for other states.
“Deliveries are not just faster but also more predictable, building more confidence in the healthcare system. Zipline is helping to create more resilient health systems, and it is a powerful testament to how intentional government decisions can lead to transformational outcomes,” he said.
As the states continue to explore ways to strengthen their healthcare logistics infrastructure, Zipline is reportedly in discussions to extend its services to neighbouring states, with plans to establish an additional distribution hub in southern Cross River to ensure comprehensive coverage across all 18 local government areas.
According to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Nigeria currently has over two million people living with HIV, with 1,753,425 of them aware of their status.