Using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to improve access to blood in low‐ and middle‐income countries: Current challenges and opportunities

Blood transfusion is life-saving for patients in emergencies, but low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often face a severe shortage of banked blood. Establishing blood banks in rural areas presents substantial logistical and economic challenges for many LMICs. Furthermore, difficult terrain, inadequate transportation infrastructure and adverse environmental conditions frequently cause delays in delivering essential blood supplies to patients in need. However, the freight transport system is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. This environmentally conscious technology has made remarkable progress in recent times and demonstrates the potential to transport vital medical supplies, including blood and blood components, to remote areas during emergencies. Moreover, the use of artificial intelligence in drones has enhanced their flight safety. In this brief review, we first outline the various types of UAVs available for use, along with their respective configurations and regulatory requirements. Then we point out key problems of transfusion services within resource-limited regions, which include not having a national blood policy, a mismatch between supply and demand, a lack of robust testing facilities for bloodborne infections and not adhering to the transfusion guidelines. While resolving all challenges may seem unrealistic, we try to explore potential pathways to significantly improve blood accessibility for patients in LMICs through the strategic implementation of UAVs, considering the various barriers and facilitators associated with this innovative approach.