Councillors in the Okavango region have commended government’s initiative of introducing drones to improve the delivery of health services in remote areas.
The appreciation followed a briefing by the Okavango District Council’s Assistant Council Secretary for Primary Health Care, Dr. Bokwena Moali, during a full council meeting held recently.
According to Dr. Moali, the innovative project will officially roll out in the Okavango District later this month, marking a major step in bringing essential healthcare closer to isolated communities. The program was first piloted in Palapye four years ago and has now received funding for implementation over the next five years beginning with Okavango before expanding to other regions.
Councillor Uakazemba Chiponda of Nxauxau/Chukumuchu, said the drones would provide much-needed relief in an area often challenged by poor road networks and a shortage of health transport vehicles.
For his part, Councillor for Sepopa/Ikoga, Botshelo Mapa, applauded the initiative, saying it would revolutionize healthcare delivery in the district. He noted that drones would speed up the transportation of critical medical supplies such as blood and medication to far-flung villages potentially saving lives, especially of pregnant women who often suffer complications due to delays in medical assistance.
“This project will save many lives. Some expectant mothers lose their lives because blood cannot reach them on time during emergencies,” Mapa said.
Dr Moali explained that the official launch of the project would be held in Jao village, one of the most isolated settlements in the district. Jao can only be accessed by air or boat due to surrounding wetlands, making it a strategic choice to demonstrate the usefulness of drones in overcoming geographical barriers.
The drones will initially deliver medicines and other health supplies to villages located across the Okavango River, including Seronga, Beetsha, and Gudigwa, before extending to other remote areas such as Nxauxau, Qangwa, and Xaixai.
She further emphasised that the drone delivery system is particularly vital for Okavango, a region characterized by numerous waterways and rough terrain that often make road transport difficult.
“The Okavango region’s unique geography makes it one of the most challenging places for healthcare delivery. Drones will help us bridge that gap,” the Assistant Council Secretary emphasised.
