Dr Motto Nganda

Biography

I am a health systems researcher with a background in Medicine (University of Douala, Cameroon) and International Public Health (LSTM). 
My work focuses on health systems by applying implementation research frameworks and using qualitative and participatory health research approaches to co-produce locally relevant solutions with communities and health system stakeholders, particularly in the areas of Sickle Cell Disease and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

Currently, I leads the research and public and patient involvement (PPI) components of the SCORE project – a Liverpool-based research project that explores the design and operation of community health and wellbeing hubs to improve health and wellbeing and resilience of people living with Sickle Cell Disease and relieve pressure on GPs and hospital services. I also co-lead the action research cycles components of the PACTS project, a multi-country project across Nigeria, Ghana and Zambia, aimed at improving person-centred Sickle Cell Disease management in sub-Saharan Africa.

Previously, I co-led the “Peace of Mind” project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which co-designed, implementated and evaluated a community-led mental health and wellbeing support package for people affected by stigmatizing NTDs. I also co-led the FGS project in Liberia, which integrated the detection and management of female genital schistosomiasis into primary healthcare services.

Teaching

I teach across several global health modules, including quality improvement in resource limited settings, global health within local context, climate change and health and in the DTM&H programme.

Selected research publications

Household determinants of healthcare utilisation in three informal settlements in Freetown, Sierra Leone a cross-sectional survey – Journal: BMJ Open – Published: 3rd March 2026

Operationalising people-centred community-led self-help groups to improve mental health and wellbeing for people with skin-neglected tropical diseases : a case study from Kasai, DRC – Journal: Frontiers in Tropical Diseases – Published: 16th February 2026

Peace of Mind: a quasi-experimental, mixed-method evaluation of a community-based mental health intervention for persons affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases – Journal: PLOS Mental Health – Published: 4th September 2025

The Economic Burden of Healthcare Utilization: Findings from a Health and Well-Being Survey in Informal Settlements of Freetown, Sierra Leone – Journal: Journal of Urban Health – Published: 10th March 2025

Prevalence of mental health conditions in post-conflict Kasai Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A repeated, cross-sectional study – Journal: PLOS Global Public Health – Published: 9th January 2025

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