Mrs Sarah Hughes

Biography

Sarah completed her MSc in Molecular Biology of Parasites and Disease Vectors at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) in 2013 where, as part of her research project, she investigated the physical, social and economic impact of lymphatic filariasis on communities in Malawi. In 2014, she joined the Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases at LSTM as a Programme Manager.

Sarah progressively developed strong management skills with successive increases in responsibility and oversight of programmes and advanced to the position of Senior Programme Manager and Country Lead for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office funded Neglected Tropical Diseases programme in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In this role, Sarah oversaw the delivery of more than 48 million treatments, managing a national team working in a challenging geographical and political environment.

Since its launch in 2021, Sarah has been Programme Manager at The Pandemic Institute. A unique collaboration of academic, health and civic partners in Liverpool with extensive national and international collaborations, The Pandemic Institute’s mission is to tackle emerging infections and pandemic threats. In this role, Sarah manages a diverse portfolio of projects within the institute, providing long-term delivery and project effectiveness.

Her key areas of expertise include programme design, oversight and monitoring of programme implementation, and cross-sectoral collaboration. Sarah has a strong track record building partnerships between stakeholders, including collaborating with national governments and local experts in complex multicultural environments.

Research interests

Sarah’s research interests focus on emerging infections, neglected tropical diseases, and lymphatic filariasis.

Selected research publications

The national distribution of lymphatic filariasis cases in Malawi using patient mapping and geostatistical modelling – Journal: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases – Published: 25th March 2024

Elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem in Malawi – Journal: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases – Published: 16th February 2024

Responsive neglected tropical disease programme delivery: listening and responding to the views and perceptions of beneficiaries. – Journal: International Health – Published: 21st September 2022

The development and roll-out of a new hydrocoele surgery facility assessment tool for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis. – Journal: International Health – Published: 1st September 2022

Insights on Lymphedema Self-Care Knowledge and Practice in Filariasis and Podoconiosis-Endemic Communities in Bangladesh and Ethiopia – Journal: Frontiers in Tropical Diseases – Published: 8th October 2021

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