LSTM in Conversation

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In this episode of In Conversation with LSTM, alumnus Dr Motto Nganda is joined by Ayo Akinmolayan, who brings lived experience of sickle cell disease, and Evelyn Matongo, a psychologist leading participatory research in Zambia, to explore what truly person-centred sickle cell care looks like in practice. 
They discuss the physical, emotional, and social realities of living with sickle cell disease, the importance of mental health and psychosocial support, and how lived experience should shape both research and health systems. The conversation also highlights how participatory approaches are bringing patients, caregivers, communities, and clinicians together to address stigma, improve care, and co-create locally relevant solutions across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

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In this episode of LSTM in Conversation, host Dr Kerry Millington, Senior Research & Policy Associate at LSTM and working as a Research Uptake Manager on the LIGHT research programme, speaks with Dr Jasper Nidoi and Dr Chukwuebuka Ugwu, early career researchers at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, about their work on the LIGHT Research Programme, a UK AID–funded initiative tackling gender and social barriers to tuberculosis (TB) care in Africa. 
From Uganda to Nigeria, Jasper and Ebuka share insights from their doctoral studies on developing gender-responsive and community-led approaches to TB diagnosis and treatment, highlighting why men are often “missing” from TB services and how co-designed, people-centred interventions are changing that. 
Later in the episode, LSTM alumnus Dr Mohammed Yassin, Senior Advisor on Tuberculosis at The Global Fund, joins the discussion to reflect on the importance of mentoring early career researchers, building equitable partnerships, and translating evidence into policy to accelerate progress towards ending TB.

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In this episode of LSTM In Conversation, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Professor of Molecular Virology Professor Jonathan Ball sits down with LSTM alumnus Professor Kevin Marsh, a world-renowned malariologist whose career has helped shape the scientific landscape across Africa.
Professor Marsh reflects on his early inspiration to study malaria while at LSTM, the mentors who guided him, and his journey in establishing the KEMRI–Wellcome Trust Research Programme and co-founding the Science for Africa Foundation. Together, they explore lessons in scientific leadership, the importance of co-creation and long-term investment in locally led research, and the future of global health in the context of climate change, epidemic preparedness, and emerging malaria vaccines.
Please note: there are minor sound issues in the first five minutes of the recording, which are corrected afterwards. We apologise for this and thank you for your understanding.

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In this episode of LSTM In Conversation, Dr Laura Dean speaks with alumnus Dr Ifeanyi Nsofor, public health physician, behavioral science researcher, and global health equity advocate. Together, they explore Dr Nsofor’s journey from aspiring surgeon to championing preventive health, his experiences tackling misinformation during the Ebola response, and the power of technology and social media in shaping health narratives today.
The discussion highlights the importance of breaking down scientific evidence for communities, amplifying voices from the Global South, and rethinking global health leadership to ensure equity and accountability. Dr Nsofor also reflects on his time at LSTM, the lessons that shaped his career, and the pressing steps needed to achieve health equity in the next decade.

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In this episode of LSTM In Conversation, Professor Sally Theobald reconnects with LSTM alumna Dr. Bertha Simwaka, now Senior Fund Portfolio Manager for Zambia at the Global Fund. Together, they explore Bertha’s career journey from her PhD at LSTM, embedded in Malawi’s health systems, to leading multi-million dollar HIV, TB, and malaria programmes across Zambia and India.
Bertha shares her reflections on the importance of gender equity, multidisciplinary approaches, and the role of community health in strengthening national systems. She offers practical insights into navigating leadership in global health, balancing international responsibilities with personal commitments, and ensuring health programmes are both impactful and sustainable.
This inspiring conversation also includes advice for early-career professionals on embracing collaboration, valuing local expertise, and building careers that drive real-world change.