Introducing The MENTOR Initiative’s new CEO!

The MENTOR Initiative is pleased to announce that Sérgio Lopes has been appointed as CEO effective from 3 October 2024, the organisation’s 22nd anniversary!

Sérgio brings valuable experience, unique skills, and a deep commitment to the organisation’s goals. His leadership will be vital as MENTOR navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead, ensuring continued support for those affected by conflict and natural disasters.

Sérgio joined MENTOR in 2013 and has been managing public health programmes for more than 15 years covering areas such as malaria, Neglected Tropical Diseases, operational research and humanitarian responses throughout Africa, Asia and South America. He has held the post of Deputy Director since May 2023 and been working towards an efficient transition to the CEO position since.

Sérgio holds a master’s in health and development from Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Lisbon and is finishing his second MSc in Epidemiology at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

During his career, he has managed emergency responses to Cyclone Idai in Beira and armed conflict in northern Mozambique, communities displaced by conflict in southern Chad and several community health worker programmes in Guinea-Bissau, Angola, Mozambique, Chad, Cambodia and Venezuela.

He has also supported setting up large-scale Mass Drug Administration campaigns to control schistosomiasis, soil transmitted helminthiasis, lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis in Angola. He is actively engaged in operational research in the areas of surveillance, monitoring and evaluation, vector control and community health.

Sérgio has authored several published peer reviewed articles and presented at key scientific meetings. He has been part of several technical working groups in the areas of surveillance, monitoring and evaluation, NTDs and vector control sharing knowledge and experience with colleagues from around the world who are united to eliminate diseases.

Sérgio has dedicated his career to ensure high quality programme implementation focusing on continuous learning and improving efficiency. He shares MENTOR’s values to serve those who are most at risk of suffering and death, particularly those with limited access to health services and affected by conflict and natural disasters.

Sérgio is married and has three children.

Outgoing CEO and new Chair of the Board, Richard Allan OBE, said: “With a proven track record of excellence and innovation in the humanitarian sector, Sérgio is well positioned to guide MENTOR into the future. We are confident that under his leadership MENTOR will continue to thrive and expand its impact on the communities we serve.”