The project, “Smart Drone Technology for a Malaria-Free Future in Zanzibar,” was officially launched in Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania, on May 12, 2026. It is a project implemented through a collaboration among the World Health Organization (WHO), the Zanzibar Malaria Elimination Programme (ZAMEP), Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), and SORA Technology, with funding support from the Government of Japan. 

The launch ceremony was attended by key stakeholders involved in malaria control, including Mr. Miraji Mngereza Mzee, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health of Zanzibar; Mr. Ndoungou Salla BA, Head of the WHO Liaison Office in Zanzibar; and the research team from Ifakara Health Institute (IHI). 

Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region of the United Republic of Tanzania, has reduced its malaria incidence to just 0.04% through decades of sustained malaria control efforts. It is now recognized as one of the regions in Africa closest to achieving malaria elimination. 

However, achieving malaria elimination requires more efficient Larval Source Management (LSM), which involves accurately identifying mosquito breeding sites—including temporary pools formed during the rainy season and wetlands that are difficult to access—and responding to them rapidly. Improving the efficiency of LSM has therefore become an urgent priority. 

Traditionally, the process from identifying mosquito breeding sites to implementing control measures has taken up to three days. In addition, covering large target areas has required significant time and human resources. To address these challenges, SORA Technology is introducing an integrated technology solution that combines satellite data analytics, drones, AI, and the Zzapp Malaria Platform, a digital field management platform.

This solution provides end-to-end support—from the rapid and highly accurate identification of mosquito breeding sites to field operations, progress monitoring, and impact evaluation—thereby streamlining and enhancing LSM operations.

Using AI to analyze satellite and drone imagery, SORA Technology accurately identifies water bodies with a high risk of mosquito breeding. Based on these analytical results, drones carry out precision larvicide application, enabling the efficient management of mosquito breeding sites across large areas, including locations that are difficult to access. The project utilizes TSUBASA, SORA Technology’s proprietary drone developed specifically for larvicide application and deployed for field operations.