November 25, 2025 — Leads & Copy — The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) is celebrating Zipline’s $150 million funding from the U.S. State Department to triple its drone delivery network. This award, based on a pay-for-performance model, highlights the impact of early philanthropic support, including that of EJAF, in pioneering drone-enabled HIV care in Africa.
EJAF’s early support for Zipline’s entry into Kenya paved the way for other funders to enable the expansion of Zipline’s model across the continent. Rwanda is slated to be the first country to expand under the new funding model.
This expansion could potentially triple Zipline’s network from 5,000 to 15,000 health facilities, reaching 100 million people.
According to the press release, since EJAF’s support began in 2023, Zipline has achieved significant impact in Kenya and Nigeria:
- Reached 125,000 people with HIV interventions
- Reached 90,000 people with prevention tools
- Tested 38,600 adolescents and young adults for HIV
- Initiated 8,600 at-risk adolescents and young adults on PrEP
- Delivered 86,000 antiretrovirals via drone
Elton John, Founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, stated that Zipline’s innovative approach aligns with the Foundation’s mission to support communities in need of healthcare. He added that EJAF’s early support in Kenya and other African countries helps ensure people living with HIV have access to the treatment they need, giving them a chance at a future free from HIV.
David Furnish, Chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, emphasized the importance of reaching young people in Sub-Saharan Africa who are often kept from care due to stigma and discrimination. He cited the example of 24-year-old Charles Atieno, who can now access HIV testing, contraceptives, and self-test kits near his football field through Zipline’s services. Furnish noted that the Foundation’s early support helped generate the evidence for this major governmental investment.
Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, noted that their support in Zipline’s pilot has evolved into a self-sustaining system that will continue to save lives. She stated that funding innovations like Zipline is their path to an AIDS-free world.
Zipline Africa CEO Caitlin Burton highlighted that the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s early support proved how on-demand delivery could reach people living with HIV privately and cost-effectively. She noted that the U.S. State Department award creates opportunities for other donors to invest in similar solutions to African health challenges.
Keller Rinaudo Clifton, CEO and Co-Founder of Zipline, thanked the U.S. State Department, African governments, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation for making the dream of ending HIV transmission in Africa a reality.
Contact: Mary Pavlu | mary.pavlu@eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org
Learn more about the partnership at eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org.
Source: Elton John AIDS Foundation
