Alumni of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) are being urged to rally behind the NKABOM Collaborative in a nationwide mission to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and food insecurity — two of Ghana’s most pressing public health and development challenges.

This passionate call was made by Boakye Bright, a UHAS alumnus and researcher, who emphasised the pivotal role of graduates in turning knowledge into action.

He described the NKABOM Collaborative not merely as an academic initiative but as a strategic and people-driven response to the rising burden of diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease—conditions largely linked to poor dietary practices and fragile food systems.

“The NKABOM vision is clear: healthier people, stronger food systems, and a resilient Ghana. But to achieve it, alumni must lead—not from the sidelines, but from the frontlines,” Boakye Bright stated in his compelling call-to-action.

With Ghana’s nutrition and agricultural sectors under strain and many communities lacking access to nutritious food, NKABOM aims to foster sustainable agri-food systems by integrating research, training, innovation, and community empowerment.

The Collaborative is already building capacity among professionals and students and now seeks to mobilise alumni as key drivers of impact.

According to Boakye, the diverse expertise of UHAS graduates — from nutritionists and public health officers to agri-entrepreneurs and community health advocates — positions them uniquely to support this national cause.

He challenged alumni to channel their skills, networks, and businesses to improve community nutrition, make healthy food more accessible, establish sustainable agricultural businesses, and train and mentor future leaders in health and development.

“Let’s bring our projects, businesses, and ideas home. Let’s turn our experience into impact. Let’s be the bridge between learning and lasting change,” he urged.

The NKABOM initiative aligns with global and national goals to reduce the prevalence of NCDs and create food systems that are inclusive, nutritious, and climate-resilient.

Boakye Bright’s message strikes a resonant chord with young professionals seeking purpose-driven engagement and positioning the UHAS alumni network as a potent force for change.

As Ghana and other nations grapple with the triple burden of malnutrition, chronic diseases, and environmental threats to agriculture, the NKABOM Collaborative is calling for not just support but leadership. Leadership from those who know the issues have walked the halls of UHAS and now have the power to act.

“Let’s act. Let’s contribute. Let’s reduce NCDs and transform lives — together.”

The NKABOM Collaborative is a transdisciplinary initiative focused on transforming Ghana’s food systems, improving nutrition, and reducing the burden of NCDs through research, education, innovation, and community-based solutions