IRC deploys AI tools to expand humanitarian reach in crisis zones

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is running a portfolio of over 20 artificial intelligence (AI) projects in some of the world’s most challenging settings, aiming to close the widening gap between humanitarian needs and available resources, according to a press release. Nearly 240 million people are affected by conflict and disaster, and 118 million have been forced from their homes, while government donors are scaling back support. The IRC is deploying AI across information services, anticipatory aid, disease diagnostics, and education. Every project is grounded in the organization’s do-no-harm principle. A human remains accountable for every decision AI supports.

Signpost, the IRC’s global digital help desk, has reached more than 20 million people with critical information across 20 countries in 12 languages. An early pilot of AI integration, called SignpostChat, suggests it can increase response speed by 92%. Alma serves as a virtual caseworker supporting refugee resettlement in the U.S. AntiTraffickingResponse.org uses two AI chatbots to help frontline responders identify trafficking in five languages. InforMH, a mental health chatbot, is used in Jordan and is expanding to Mexico and elsewhere in the Americas.

The IRC is also using AI to act before disasters strike. Follow the Forecasts combines climate forecasting, vulnerability mapping, and rapid contingency planning to channel cash assistance up to four times faster than a conventional response. It has been proven across six responses in five countries and has reached nearly 100,000 people. ReachMap, built on the Gavi-funded REACH program that has delivered more than 40 million vaccine doses in East Africa at under $2 a dose, predicts where zero-dose and under-immunized children live. The IRC is piloting ReachMap in East and Central Africa.

For health, the IRC developed Sightline, a smartphone screening app that lets health workers photograph skin lesions to screen patients for mpox. Initial field testing shows 95% accuracy, and Sightline works offline and runs on older devices. Over the next two years, the IRC aims to deploy diagnostic tools across 15 countries, extending the framework to diseases including tuberculosis, leprosy, cutaneous diphtheria, and anthrax. In education, aprendIA, an AI mentor delivered over WhatsApp, has been implemented in Ecuador, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Niger. It is live with over 6,500 teachers in Nigeria.

The IRC expects to scale aprendIA nationally in Nigeria in 2027, with potential to reach more than 135,000 teachers each year, supporting over 8.5 million children in that country alone. In Kenya, the Climate Resilient Education Systems Trial (CREST) uses AI-enabled forecasting and satellite-based triggers to release pre-arranged financing for cash transfers, remote learning, and child protection support. CREST reached 28,000 learners in 2025. The IRC has tested responsible AI deployment with partners including Anthropic, Cisco, HPE, The Rockefeller Foundation, Zendesk, and Zoom. The organization continues its innovative work across more than 40 crisis-affected countries.