The Humanitarian and At-Risk Populations (HARP) Working Group aims to ensure that national malaria strategies and partner-supported programmes proactively and equitably reach populations affected by conflict, displacement and other emergencies. This includes internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, mobile communities, and those in hard-to-reach or last-mile settings.

HARP supports the inclusion of tailored operational strategies in ITN campaign planning, continuous distribution, case management and surveillance to meet the specific needs of these populations. The group serves as a platform for operational learning and cross-country exchange, enabling national malaria programmes, humanitarian actors and implementing partners to share innovations, practical tools and lessons learned.

Recognizing the increasing complexity of delivering malaria services in humanitarian and emergency contexts, HARP promotes integration across different components of malaria campaigns—such as logistics, community engagement, monitoring and digitalization—while also encouraging alignment with broader health and humanitarian responses. The Working Group contributes to the development of best practices, operational guidance, and case studies through the Alliance for Malaria Prevention (AMP) and supports countries in adapting and implementing those resources in complex settings.

Working group co-chair

  • Miko Thomas is a seasoned consultant specializing in international and community development, with a focus on malaria prevention. Based in Mauritius, Miko has over five years’ experience with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, where he coordinated disaster management and public health programs. He served as the Malaria Delegate for West and Central Africa, overseeing malaria prevention activities. Since 2018, Miko has been a technical assistance provider with AMP, offering support to national malaria programs in their ITN distribution, with a focus on social and behaviour change strategies. As well as supporting various community-based organisations in his spare time, Miko is recognized for his interpersonal skills, fostering partnerships, and dedication to developing practical guidance materials. Contact Miko at mikojthomas@gmail.com
  • Brenden Williams, MPH, is a global health and development professional with over two decades of experience leading and guiding humanitarian and public health initiatives across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Currently serving as an Advisor with Catholic Relief Services’ Global Fund Support Unit, Brenden provides strategic and operational guidance for malaria, TB, and health systems strengthening programs, supporting national teams, partners, and governments in delivering high-impact services. Much of CRS’ malaria portfolio takes place in challenging operating environments. Previously Brenden managed portfolios of complex, multi-sectoral projects in conflict-affected regions, including emergency response, food security, WASH and peacebuilding in countries such as Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, and The Philippines. Contact Brenden at brenden.williams@crs.org