A team of researchers from ETH Zurich, lead by Prof. Stephan Wagner and Dr. Bublu Thakur-Weigold, has developed an AI-based planning tool to assist the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in managing the delivery of critical medical supplies. Deployed in a dozen locations across Africa, the Middle East, and Ukraine, the tool helped the ICRC save approximately CHF 3.6 million ($4.1 million) in 2023 by improving efficiency in complex humanitarian logistics.

Building on this success, a new project by this research group will explore how AI tools, similar to those used in commercial supply chains, could further benefit humanitarian organizations. The project will investigate the potential of machine learning to improve forecasting for medical supply deliveries in conflict zones and develop predictive models to enhance accuracy and planning.

This work highlights how technological advancements can contribute to more effective humanitarian operations, ensuring that critical aid reaches people in need.

🔗 Read the full article from the World Economic Forum here.

Photo: Copyright: ICRC/ Pascal Jequier/ 24.09.2014/ Caption: A daily labourers team prepare the load of basic necessities to be transported to the ICRC regional delegation in Nigeria./ Reference: V-P-CI-E-00426

Published On: January 27th, 2025 / Categories: News, released in the media /