Richard founded MENTOR in 2002 to provide specialist operational and technical support to countries in a humanitarian emergency, with the aim of controlling and preventing diseases such as malaria, neglected tropical diseases and other vector-borne and diarrhoeal diseases.
He holds responsibility for the overarching strategy and direction of the organisation, representing MENTOR at the highest levels in the humanitarian sector. He leads on our operational research programme providing guidance and support for the development of new and innovative research interventions with particular focus on testing new vector control tools. He also directs our emergency team activities, making sure we respond to new and emerging humanitarian emergencies rapidly and effectively.
Richard has been working closely with WASH leads in WHO and UNICEF to join disease control with water, sanitation and infrastructure to progress a holistic solution to the growing threats of climate change, insecticide resistance, conflict-affected populations and the emergence of new, invasive vectors. He is also involved in global policy working groups helping to shape policies on WASH and vector-control in emergencies.