The Government of Vanuatu, in partnership with UNICEF,  is looking for companies to test their Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) - commonly referred to as "drones" - for transportation of vaccines in the Pacific.  An invitation to industry has been released to identify technologies that can help reduce disruptions in the vaccine supply chain with an initial trial in Vanuatu. 

To join the first phase of the challenge, applications can be submitted here through the UNICEF website. The application deadline for phase 1 is 7 July 2017. 

As reported on the UNICEF website, the trial in Vanuatu "will be conducted in three phases: a technical trial in August when drones will be flying over North Efate Island and scored against various performance criterias; a request for proposal through which vaccines will be delivered to health staff on targeted islands in February and March 2018; and a three to six month use of UAVs in regular provincial deliveries of health supplies later in 2018.  The initiative is led by the Government through Ministry of Health and Ministry of Infrastructure & Public Utilities, with the support of the United Nations Children’s Fund."