(P-TS-44) Improving Blood Availability in Low- and Middle-Income Countries through Drone-Based Blood Delivery: Conclusions from an International Working Group.

Background/Case Studies: Millions live without access to sufficient blood transfusion services in remote regions of low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), effectively creating “blood deserts”. The traditional blood banking system is logistically complex and expensive to implement in rural settings, requiring considerable transfusion-specific infrastructure and workforce, and reliant on road travel. Where innovative, multidisciplinary approaches are needed in blood deserts, drone-based blood delivery can aid in streamlining the infrastructure needs and reduce transport time.

Study

Design/Methods: To explore the potential of drone-based blood delivery for blood transfusions in LMIC blood deserts, a white paper was developed focusing on the current applications of this technology, identifying knowledge gaps, and implementation considerations including future arenas for research and policy. Six international experts ("delegates") in surgery, transfusion medicine, and public policy were convened as a part of the Innovative Blood Transfusion Strategies for Blood Deserts in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Radcliffe Seminar. The exploratory process included guided reviews of peer-reviewed and gray literature, three group discussions with delegates, seven individual interviews with delegates and additional experts, and a large group discussion with the remaining sixteen delegates during the Seminar.

Results/Findings: We summarized the current state of the field and existing technologies after extensive research and recognized that while there are smaller companies entering this space, Zipline is the most widely recognized currently. Several factors including geographical and regulatory guidelines, public-private partnerships, and infrastructure would require consideration for successful implementation. Knowledge gaps and barriers namely blood availability, community engagement, and capital investment were identified and to overcome these challenges an implementation plan was laid prioritizing important areas for future study, advocacy, and legislation.

Conclusions: Innovative strategies are urgently needed to address the lack of blood transfusion services in LMIC blood deserts. The white paper provides an outline for addressing the challenges associated and leveraging the potential benefits of drone-based delivery to improve blood delivery.

Importance of research: Improving blood transfusion access is crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries. However, barriers to transporting blood to remote regions have led to the persistence of "blood deserts”. Drone-based delivery offers a viable alternative. This study aimed to identify important next steps that the global community should take to facilitate the implementation of this technology in low- and middle-income countries.