Dr Hibbah Araba Osei-Kwasi has built an impressive international career in public health nutrition, transforming an early ambition to study medicine into a successful path in research, academia and community nutrition.
She holds a PhD in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Sheffield, a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Rural Development from Ghent University in Belgium, and a Bachelor of Science in Community Nutrition from the University for Development Studies in Ghana.
Her research focuses on nutrition, psychology and public health, particularly dietary practices and their relationship with chronic diseases. She also teaches nutrition and public health courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Beyond academia, Dr Osei-Kwasi is the founder and co-director of Sahara Nutrition, a network of nutrition professionals providing evidence-based and sustainable nutrition support to African and Caribbean communities in the United Kingdom and beyond.
Her journey into nutrition began after she was unable to pursue her initial ambition of studying medicine. She had planned to complete her degree before returning to university to pursue medical studies.
However, her four-year experience as a Research Assistant at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research sparked a strong interest in research and ultimately changed the direction of her career.
Dr Osei-Kwasi later applied to universities in the United States and United Kingdom but faced challenges securing funding. She eventually discovered opportunities in Europe and moved to Belgium to pursue her master’s degree at Ghent University.
Although she did not initially receive a scholarship, she found ways to finance her move, including selling her car. Her academic performance later earned her a monthly stipend after her first semester.
She went on to graduate from Ghent University with Great Distinction and was named the overall best student in her cohort in 2012.
She later pursued her PhD at the University of Sheffield, where supportive supervisors helped her gain exposure to an international network of academics and researchers.
Today, her work spans research, teaching and community nutrition, contributing to efforts to improve public health through evidence-based nutrition practices.
Dr Osei-Kwasi says her journey has taught her that there are no shortcuts to success. She encourages young people to work hard, seek mentorship and ask for help whenever necessary.
She also advises young professionals not to reject opportunities simply because they appear difficult, stressing that challenges can often be overcome with determination, support and persistence.
