Many Vanuatu villages are reachable only by small boats or mountain footpaths that become bogs when it rains. And most villages don’t have electricity to refrigerate vaccines.
For these reasons, about 20 percent of Vanuatu’s 35,000 children under age 5 do not get all their shots, according to the UNICEF.
On Dec. 17, 1-month-old Joy Nowai was the first Vanuatu resident to receive vaccines delivered by a flying drone, including shots for hepatitis and tuberculosis.
Vanuatu is the only country in the world to make its childhood vaccine program officially drone-dependent.
With support from UNICEF, the Australian government and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the country launched its drone program Dec 17.
The program will initially serve three islands but may be expanded.
More articles on clinical leadership and infection control:
Virginia Tech researchers use nanostructure to fight infections from medical devices
Arkansas surgeon used FaceTime to calm patient during brain operation
Quadrivalent flu vaccine efficacy is 51% among young children, study finds
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
