Zipline bags U.S. Secretary of State’s award for corporate excellence in health security

Zipline, the American-based global leader in instant logistics, has received the U.S. Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) in Health Security.

The prestigious award, presented by the US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, honours Zipline’s work in Ghana, where it had been in operation since 2019, before expanding to Nigeria early this year, following partnerships with Kaduna and Cross River States.

Both states are set to commence drone deliveries of medical supplies early next year.

At the award ceremony, Blinken, who spoke with Zipline in Nigeria last month, during his state visit, said: “Zipline, a company that I first became aware of about five or six years ago, is doing remarkable work.

“It has partnered with the Ghanaian government to deliver more than 250,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses, and it’s able to do this getting to remote areas that otherwise would have great difficulty getting the vaccine or getting other medicines. These efforts are literally saving lives.

“In Ghana, Zipline serves over 1,900 health facilities, has completed over 130,000 commercial deliveries, flown over 10 million autonomous miles, and delivered millions of vaccines.

“Zipline is currently expanding across the country with four new distribution centres to serve the entirety of Ghana, including the upcoming delivery of medical products and supplies directly to patient homes.

“With Zipline, healthcare facilities can safely receive medical products like vaccines, blood, and medications in 30 minutes on average, enhancing access while also reducing delivery emissions by up to 98per cent compared to traditional delivery methods.”

Through partnerships with organisations like GAVI, Pfizer, and UPS, Zipline is providing a cost-effective solution to aid in Ghana’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution while reducing vaccine waste and the need for costly investments in cold chain infrastructure.

To date, Zipline has helped deliver hundreds of thousands of doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

Senior Vice President of Zipline for Africa,” Daniel Marfo, said: “Our work in Ghana showcases the transformational power of instant logistics to strengthen health systems.

“Together with our partners in the government, we’re pioneering a new, more effective and equitable healthcare model, one in which every patient across the country can access the tests, treatment, and supplies they need, wherever they are.

“The Secretary of State’s recognition validates our approach in setting an international standard for building a safe and sustainable system that improves health access and equity around the world.”

Presenting the award to Zipline, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie Sullivan described Zipline as “a real game-changer for Ghanaians.”

According to her, Zipline’s logistics network made it a critical element of Ghana’s COVID-19 response.

“In the last two years, the company delivered over a quarter million COVID-19 vaccine doses, personal protective equipment, and COVID-19 test kits to remote locations throughout the

“The Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence is one of the U.S. Department of State’s highest honours and recognises U.S. companies exemplifying American values and international best practices in addition to demonstrating leadership in their overseas operations,” she noted.

The Health Security category recognises Zipline’s work in improving access to products critical to health security through its instant logistics infrastructure.

Zipline Senior Vice President for Africa, Daniel Marfo, received the award on behalf of Zipline.