Yarmouk University Students Develop AI-Powered Healthcare Solution ‘Awn’, Winning First Place at Ghazathon to Support Gaza’s Collapsed Healthcare System

2024-10-14 Maria Farooq

In a demonstration of innovation and humanitarian commitment, a team of young entrepreneurs, led by Asalah Al-Tamimi, secured first place in the healthcare category at the Ghazathon competition. Organized by Hussein Technical University (HTU), Ghazathon brought together over 130 participants, supported by more than 60 organizers, and evaluated by 15 expert judges. The competition focuses on finding solutions to some of Gaza’s most urgent challenges, with an emphasis on healthcare, water management, and damage assessment.
Ghazathon was designed to engage young innovators in developing tech-driven solutions to alleviate Gaza’s severe crises, including the collapse of its healthcare system due to ongoing conflict. Gaza’s hospitals and health centers have been rendered non-functional, leaving the population without access to critical medical care.
Yarmouk University, represented by the winning team, expressed pride in their achievement, stating: “This win reflects not only the technical skills of our students but also their commitment to humanitarian values and their ability to turn innovation into action.” The university emphasized the significance of addressing Gaza’s healthcare collapse through AI and data science.
Asalah Al-Tamimi and her team presented Awn, an AI-powered healthcare platform that leverages data science to diagnose and treat patients while establishing a comprehensive healthcare database for long-term improvements. The platform’s approach merges technology, community engagement, and international collaboration to offer a sustainable and impactful response to Gaza’s healthcare needs.

A Team Effort Driven by Innovation and Humanitarian Spirit
Reflecting on the project, Asalah Al-Tamimi said, “Our opportunity was to break the feeling of helplessness toward Gaza and move forward with action. We participated with a genuine desire to make a difference.”
Asalah, a computer engineer specializing in data analytics and AI, worked alongside her sister Mahasen Al-Tamimi and team members Lobna Kanaan and Anwar Al-Qudah. Together, they combined their diverse expertise to develop Awn, a solution that empowers local volunteers and connects international doctors with patients in Gaza, ensuring healthcare delivery even under challenging conditions.

Awn: A Tech-Driven Solution for a Humanitarian Crisis
The Awn project addresses the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system by providing an AI-powered platform that improves diagnosis and treatment through a three-tiered system:
1. AI-Powered Initial Assessments: AI analyses collected patient data and perform initial triage.
2. Local Volunteer Engagement: Trained volunteers assess patients using basic diagnostic tools.
3. Remote International Doctors: Doctors worldwide review data and offer advanced diagnoses and treatment plans.
This global collaboration connects Gaza’s limited resources with international medical expertise. As Asalah Al-Tamimi said, “Doctors around the world are eager to help Gaza, but opportunities are limited. Awn allows them to make a real difference.”

Awn uses technology to connect global medical support with Gaza’s needs, showcasing how youth innovation can make a real difference through collaboration. This effort is a reminder that in times of crisis, innovation and compassion can unite people across borders, empowering them to create meaningful change and bring hope to those who need it most.