PeerBridge: AI-Triaged Peer Support Networks for Mental Health in Active Conflict and Post-Conflict Zones
Description
PeerBridge deploys a three-layer mental health support system designed for zero-connectivity fallback and extreme resource scarcity in conflict zones. Layer 1: WhatsApp/SMS chatbot with AI triage (fine-tuned on conflict-context trauma signals) that classifies distress severity and routes users to appropriate support within minutes.
Layer 2: A network of trained community Peer Support Specialists (PSS) — conflict survivors themselves — who receive 40-hour trauma-informed care certification via offline-capable mobile app and conduct group sessions of 8–12 people. Layer 3: Teleconsultation with licensed psychologists (2–4 hours/week per PSS cohort) for case escalation.
All data is end-to-end encrypted; no identifying information leaves the device. Partnerships with UNHCR, MSF, and IRC embed PeerBridge into existing humanitarian supply chains. A $3/person/year cost model makes it viable for humanitarian budgets at scale.
Implementation Pathway
Build & Validate
- • Train conflict-context AI triage model
- • Develop 40-hour PSS certification curriculum
- • Pilot in 2 active conflict zones (500 users)
- • Validate outcomes vs. standard humanitarian care
Humanitarian Integration
- • Embed in UNHCR, MSF, IRC supply chains
- • Deploy in 10 conflict/post-conflict zones
- • 50,000 users active
- • Train 2,000 PSS specialists
- • Publish efficacy data
Systemic Scale
- • 500,000 users across 30 crisis contexts
- • Open-source platform handed to WHO for maintenance
- • PSS certification recognised by 15 health ministries
- • Cost per user reduced to $2/year