AI Aidbot Provides Assistance in War-Torn Lebanon

In an innovative response to the ongoing war in Lebanon, Hania Zataari, a mechanical engineer with the Ministry of Industry, has developed an AI ‘aidbot’ intended to facilitate assistance for those in need.

The AI system operates via WhatsApp and prompts users with simple questions regarding their name, location, and the type of assistance they require. This information is then compiled into a Google Sheet, enabling Zataari and a team of volunteers to distribute essential items such as food, blankets, medicine, and clothing effectively.

Zataari explained, ‘I’m not really interested in knowing their names. I just need to know where they are so I can manage the delivery.’

The system enhances her response time, ensuring that essential supplies, like baby formula, reach families quickly by asking relevant questions regarding the needs.

Funding for this project comes from donations made by Lebanese people residing abroad, illustrating the community support behind this humanitarian effort.

Currently, the AI aidbot has successfully delivered 78 food parcels, 900 mattresses, and 323 blankets to vulnerable families throughout Lebanon. John Bryant, a research fellow at the Overseas Development Institute, praised the initiative, noting the AI aidbot’s potential in unique humanitarian applications.

Despite challenges faced by organizations like UNICEF Lebanon, which is battling a funding gap while assisting those in need, Zataari’s creation exemplifies the positive impact of technology in overcoming local challenges amid adversity.

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