AI for Good Simulator
Modeling the spread of COVID-19 within refugee camps for timely interventions
About this project
The Simulator is a web tool for NGOs and local authorities to model COVID-19 outbreak inside refugee camps and prepare timely and proportionate response measures needed to flatten the curve and reduce the number of fatalities. This tool helps to predict the possible outbreak scenarios and their potential outcomes and help first responders design an optimal intervention strategy. Read more
Problem
Refugee camps lack a strategy to combat COVID-19 because:
High density
Moria's population density is 204K people / km2 vs. London's 4.5K people / km2
Sanitation
1 toilette per 167 people, 1 tap per 1300 people, waiting lines are 2-3 hours
Malnutrition
Food distributions fall short of daily nutritional requirements
Poor Health
Not enough ICU bed, chronic and respiratory diseases, PTSD
Legal Status
Asylum seekers are not included in national plans and basic healthcare
Epidemiological Modeling
To address this problem we use multiple epidemiological modeling approaches:
Compartment Model
Network Model
Agent-based Model
Modeling Conclusions
Based on our modelling, an example intervention strategy for Moria could be:
Long-term strategy
Invest in a prolonged programme in improving personal hygiene for the camp residents in the whole duration of the pandemic
Reducing transmission
Ask the residents who are infected to minimise their contacts and movement and make sure they have access to the necessary treatment (including ICU)
Urgent action for the high-risk
Moving elderly and other high-risk individuals with pre-existing conditions swiftly away from the camp at the very start of the epidemic
Project objectives
Real time insights from our models will have impact in the following areas:
Empower NGOs
Essential supply forecasting
Serve as a tool for NGOs and grassroots organisations to mobilise action and coordinate efforts to prepare and contain COVID-19
Inform Policy Making
Decision making on the ground
Inform governments, camp management and local authorities and help them make responsible decisions in a timely manner
Save People's Lives
Reducing the spread and fatalities
Identify the most effective COVID-19 interventions designed for refugee camps and help avoid severe casualties
We need your help!
We are looking for partners and volunteers - please get in touch if you are interested
© 2020 Crisis Modelling Ltd.