Zimbabwe uses drone to deliver medicines and transport blood samples

Zimbabwe has used a drone for the first time to deliver medicines from the capital, Harare, to Marondera, a city about 75 kilometres away.

On its return journey, the drone transported blood samples for laboratory testing, according to a report published on Tuesday.

Satellite internet was used to operate the drone, the report said.

Authorities are working to expand internet access across the country to support the wider use of such technologies.

The new delivery method is expected to help medical facilities receive essential medicines and transport samples to laboratories more quickly.

Drone deliveries could be particularly beneficial to remote communities that are difficult to reach by road.