Lebanese Engineer Develops Chatbot to Aid Displaced Families Amid Ongoing Conflict

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Amid escalating violence in Lebanon, mechanical engineer Hania Zataari has developed a WhatsApp-based chatbot aimed at assisting displaced families seeking aid. Following a surge in conflict starting in October 2023, driven by Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel, thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes, resulting in significant humanitarian needs.

Zataari, hailing from Sidon in South Lebanon, created the "aidbot" as a tool to streamline the distribution of vital supplies such as food, medicine, and blankets. The bot collects information regarding the type and quantity of assistance required, which is organized in a Google spreadsheet accessed by Zataari and her team of volunteers to manage aid distribution effectively.

Since its launch, the project, funded by donations from Lebanese expatriates, has successfully delivered hundreds of aid items, including 78 food parcels and 900 mattresses, addressing the urgent needs of families displaced by the conflict.

The chatbot not only improves efficiency in aid distribution but also connects with users through a familiar platform. However, it faces challenges due to the ongoing economic crisis in Lebanon, which has limited the availability of resources. International organizations like UNICEF have reported significant funding gaps, complicating the efforts to provide assistance.

While some experts acknowledge the innovative use of technology in humanitarian efforts, concerns remain about the scalability of such solutions in different contexts. Despite these challenges, the aidbot represents a meaningful step toward alleviating the plight of those affected by the ongoing conflict in Lebanon.

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