By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
In the midst of Lebanon’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, Hania Zataari, a mechanical engineer from Sidon, has developed an innovative solution to provide aid to displaced families using technology. With thousands of people fleeing their homes due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Zataari took it upon herself to create an “aidbot” — a chatbot designed to streamline the process of delivering essential supplies to those in need. The tool, which operates through WhatsApp, has proven to be an effective and efficient way to connect displaced families with vital resources such as food, blankets, and medicine.
The conflict, which intensified in October 2023, resulted in significant casualties and widespread displacement. On 23 September, Israel launched a major offensive against Hezbollah, leading to one of Lebanon’s deadliest days in two decades, with at least 492 people killed. Thousands of families, seeking refuge from the violence, found shelter in schools, public buildings, or with relatives. However, many were left without direct government support. Recognizing this gap, Zataari decided to use her programming skills to create a solution that would address the urgent needs of those displaced.
The aidbot, built using the Callbell platform, functions by asking users simple questions regarding their needs and locations. The responses are then recorded on a Google spreadsheet, which Zataari and her team of volunteers use to coordinate aid deliveries. The system has made the process of distributing supplies more efficient by reducing the time spent responding to individual requests via WhatsApp. For example, when a request for baby formula is made, the bot gathers essential details such as the baby’s age and the required quantity, enabling the team to deliver the appropriate aid.
The project has been largely funded by donations from the Lebanese diaspora, and Zataari has taken steps to ensure transparency by creating a publicly accessible dashboard that tracks expenditures and aid distributions. To date, the aidbot initiative has delivered hundreds of food parcels, mattresses, and blankets across Sidon and other parts of Lebanon. One recipient, Khaldoun Abbas, shared his experience of fleeing his home in Najjarieh with his family after receiving warnings from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to evacuate. His home was later destroyed in an Israeli strike. Using the aidbot, Abbas and his family were able to request essential supplies while staying in a rented apartment in Sidon.
Despite the ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024, the provision of aid in Lebanon remains a challenge. NGOs such as Islamic Relief and Unicef have reported significant funding shortfalls, making it difficult to meet the growing demand for assistance. The country’s ongoing economic crisis has further complicated the situation, with the government relying heavily on external funding to provide basic services.
The aidbot has demonstrated the potential of using technology to address humanitarian needs in a localized context. According to John Bryant, a researcher at the Overseas Development Institute, the success of such digital tools often depends on understanding the cultural and linguistic context in which they are deployed. He noted that while the aidbot is a valuable tool in Lebanon, its effectiveness may not be easily replicated in other regions without localized adaptations.
Zataari’s initiative highlights the power of grassroots innovation in addressing complex humanitarian challenges. While the aidbot may not solve all of Lebanon’s problems, it has undoubtedly made a tangible difference in the lives of displaced families. For those who have lost everything, the aidbot provides a lifeline, offering a sense of hope and support in the face of adversity.
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