UNICEF and Vanuatu Government select Martek for UAS vaccine delivery

Published: 26-Jul-2017

The humanitarian application of ‘drones-for-good’ is a compelling use case and Martek Marine UK has been selected by UNICEF and the Vanuatu Government to demonstrate its capability for vaccine delivery

Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands separated over 1600 km, 65 of which are inhabited.

Many islands are only accessed by boat and mobile vaccination teams are frequently required to walk to communities carrying all equipment to undertake the vaccination for children and communities in remote areas. The climate, lack of infrastructure and topography make this an arduous task.

Vanuatu faces considerable vaccine supply chain logistical and access challenges and its health facilities are constantly faced with a frequent lack of stock.

The trial aims to assess technologies and proven safe operators that can help reduce the vaccine supply chain disruption and enhance service delivery, without requiring massive investment in infrastructure and transport.

It will also provide the opportunity to explore and understand the wider application and potential of UAVs in the Pacific region long term.

V-200 UAS

V-200 UAS

 

Paul Luen, CEO at Martek, said: “the opportunity to deploy our unique capabilities for the good of the people of Vanuatu was an opportunity we had to grasp.  Our proven BVLOS expertise and the manned aviation standards, which we operate our business to, make us an ideal long-term delivery partner. We are certain we will deliver UNICEF and the Vanuatu Government a reliable UAS cargo delivery service to enable long-term deployment at national level.”

Martek will self-fund the trial, which will take place on Efate Island from 21-25 August 2017.

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