Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a feasibility study grant to Applus PNG Ltd. (Applus+ PNG), a technical services provider across multiple sectors, to help expand access to critical medical supplies across Papua New Guinea. Specifically, USTDA’s study will support the development of a network of healthcare distribution centers from which unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will deliver medical supplies to rural communities. Applus+ PNG selected California-based Zipline International Inc. to conduct the study.
“USTDA’s partnership with Applus+ PNG reflects a shared commitment to deploying bespoke, highly innovative solutions to meet the infrastructure needs of our partners. This project will help transform the delivery of critical healthcare services for the people of Papua New Guinea, no matter where they live,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “We look forward to building this partnership and working with U.S. industry to further expand USTDA’s robust programming in the Pacific Islands.”
Approximately 85% of Papua New Guinea’s population resides in rural regions where insufficient transportation infrastructure, inclement weather, and security challenges can inhibit the timely delivery of critical health supplies such as vaccines, anti-snake venom and blood supplies. Using UAVs to deliver medical supplies from healthcare distribution centers will help overcome this challenge while ensuring that cold-chain goods are readily available in facilities lacking on-site refrigeration.
Adam Alessandrino, Applus+, Executive Vice President for the Pacific region said, “We are excited to be part of this project, which will allow us to explore an innovative, technology-driven solution aimed at transforming healthcare delivery in Papua New Guinea. This feasibility study is a crucial step in our mission to harness cutting-edge technology to address complex challenges. We are grateful for the support and look forward to the advancements this study will bring.”
CEO and co-founder of Zipline, Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, said: “Zipline’s technology has been used by governments in numerous countries to achieve extraordinary improvements in population health, like a 56% reduction in maternal mortality in Ghana. We’re confident that this technology can enable even greater impact in Papua New Guinea, and we’re excited to explore the possibility of bringing our UAV network to this side of the world.”
USTDA’s study advances the Administration’s commitment to enhancing the U.S.-Pacific Islands Partnership, as well as priorities like the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, the USTDA-led Pacific Islands Infrastructure Initiative, U.S.-Southeast Asia and Pacific Aviation Cooperation Program, and the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability in Papua New Guinea.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov