Barry, M., Hansen, J., & Darmstadt, G. L. (2025).
New England Journal of Medicine.
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During disasters, timely response is critical. For example, after an earthquake — such as the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that devastated Myanmar in March 2025 — people who are trapped under collapsed buildings face a steep decline in their chance of survival after 48 hours. Yet the scope of devastation, combined with limited resources for disaster response and uncertainty about on-the-ground conditions, can constrain rescue efforts. Responders have recently had a new tool at their disposal, however: artificial intelligence (AI).
Shortly after the Myanmar earthquake, a satellite captured images of the affected area, which were sent to Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab. Machine-learning tools were used to analyze the images and assess the location, extent, nature, and severity of the damage.1 Such information, which was gained without the grave risks inherent to entering an unstable disaster zone and much more rapidly than would have been possible with traditional data-gathering and analysis methods, can help organizations quickly and safely prioritize relief efforts in areas that are both highly damaged and densely populated.2 This example reflects one of several ways in which AI is being used to support humanitarian efforts in disaster and conflict zones.
Global conflicts, infectious diseases, natural disasters driven by climate change, and increases in the number of refugees worldwide are magnifying the need for humanitarian services. Regions facing these challenges commonly contend with diminished health care systems, damage to other infrastructure, and shortages of health care workers. The dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development and the weakening of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. State Department further jeopardize access to vital funding, constrain supply chains, and weaken the capacity for humanitarian response.
The article is linked above.
Here are some thoughts:
This article outlines the transformative potential of AI as a novel and powerful tool in the realm of humanitarian aid and crisis response. It moves beyond theory to present concrete applications where AI is being deployed to save lives and increase efficiency in some of the world's most challenging environments. Key innovative uses include leveraging AI with satellite imagery to perform rapid damage assessments after disasters, enabling responders to quickly and safely identify the most critically affected areas. Furthermore, AI is being used to predict disasters through early-warning systems, support refugees with AI-powered chatbots that provide vital information in multiple languages, optimize the delivery of supplies via drones, and enhance remote healthcare by interpreting diagnostic images like radiographs. However, the article strongly cautions that this promising frontier is accompanied by significant challenges, including technical and financial barriers, the risk of algorithmic bias, and serious ethical concerns regarding privacy and human rights, necessitating a responsible and collaborative approach to its development and deployment.
