About

Amos Laar is a Professor of Public Health Nutrition at the University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. Currently his research explores the connection between food environments and diet-related non-communicable diseases; as well as how social forces, commercial influences, and structural violence affect the realization of health. He is an active researcher, having successfully led or co-led more than 25 research grants totaling over $20 million. His scholarly works include over 150 scientific publications in prestigious journals (including The Lancet, Nature Foods, BMJ Global Health, Food Policy, Advances in Nutrition, Health & Place, Health Expectations). He has enormous experience in teaching and mentoring - having taught at various levels (bachelors, masters, and doctoral) at several universities across the world. Their NIH-funded project pioneered the first-ever MSc programme in Bioethics in Ghana.   

In 2011, he was one of Ghana’s public health nutrition experts at the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, and in 2024 at the UN SDG2 Expert Group Meeting in Rome. In 2021, he served as curator of Ghana’s Food Systems Dialogues, and played a cardinal role in the development of Ghana’s 2023-2030 Food Systems Strategy and Investment Plan, as well as Ghana’s first-ever Food-Based Dietary Guidelines. In 2023, he led a coalition of civil society organizations and academics to mount a successful advocacy intervention in support of Ghana’s sugar sweetened beverage tax. The “Healthier Diets for Healthy Lives Project” which he leads, is currently assisting the government of Ghana to develop a nutrient profiling system and four food-based policies (restricting what can be served, sold, or marketed to children, front-of-pack labeling, public food procurement, and food-related fiscal policies). 

Amos Laar has served as an expert reviewer for WHO guidelines, including those on low-sodium salt substitutes, carbohydrate, saturated and trans-fatty acid intake for adults and children, non-sugar sweetener use, and food-based dietary guidelines. He is among the WHO experts overseeing the development of guidelines on the consumption of animal- and plant-source foods, and UNICEF Experts supporting ECOWAS to develop standards for commercialized complementary foods in West Africa. 

He served as the President of the African Nutrition Society from 2016 to 2020 and currently convenes the Africa Food Environment Research Network (FERN). FERN assists multiple African countries in developing food-based policies. In 2019, he was honored in the Lancet (Diabetes and Endocrinology) for his significant contributions to combating diet-related non-communicable diseases in Africa. He is a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Education and Qualification

Cert. (Leadership), Harvard Business School Executive Education, Boston, MA, USA. (April 2023)

M.A. (Bioethics), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. (June 2014)

Ph.D. (Public Health), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. (June 2009)

MPH. (Master of Public Health), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. (Dec 2005)

BSc. (Nutrition & Biochemistry), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. (May 2003)

Working Experience

Sep 2021 – present      Professor of Public Health Nutrition. Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

Apr 2023 – present       Adjunct Professor. Center for Bioethics, University of Minnesota, MN, USA.

Jun 2020 – present: Visiting Professor, EHESP School of Public Health - Rennes, France

Feb 2019 – Aug 2021    Associate Professor of Public Health. Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

May 2012 – Jan 2019    Senior Lecturer at the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

May 2010 – May 2012  Lecturer at the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

Publications

Select publications (from lifetime total of 150; sorted by publication date)

Public Health Nutrition publications 

1. Adaku, A. A., Egyir, I. S., Gadegbeku, C., Kunadu, A. P. H., Amanor-Boadu, V., & Laar, A. (2024). Barriers to Ensuring and Sustaining Street Food Safety in a Developing Economy. Heliyon.

2. Asalu, G., Axame, W., Letsa, C., Laar, A. and Aryeetey, R., 2024. Food Label Literacy among urban dwelling households in Ghana. Food and Humanity, p.100312.

3. Vaillancourt, C., Ahmed, M., Kirk, S., Labonté, M.È., Laar, A., Mah, C.L., Minaker, L., Olstad, D.L., Potvin Kent, M., Provencher, V. and Prowse, R., 2024. Food environment research in Canada: a rapid review of methodologies and measures deployed between 2010 and 2021. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 21(1), p.18.

4. Laar, A., Tagwireyi, J. and Hassan-Wassef, H., 2023. From dialogues to action: commitments by African governments to transform their food systems and assure sustainable healthy diets. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 65, p.101380.

5. Laar, A., Amoah, J.M., Massawudu, L.M., Pereko, K.K., Yeboah-Nkrumah, A., Amevinya, G.S., Nanema, S., Odame, E.A., Agyekum, P.A., Mpereh, M. and Sandaare, S., 2023. Making food-related health taxes palatable in sub-Saharan Africa: lessons from Ghana. BMJ Global Health, 8(Suppl 8), p.e012154.

6. Peprah, E., Amegbor, P., Laar, A., Akasoe, B. and Commodore-Mensah, Y., 2023. Reducing Dietary Sodium Intake among Young Adults in Ghana: A Call to Action. Nutrients, 15(16), p.3562.

7. Laar, A., Baye, K., Zotor, F., Asiki, G. and Lartey, A., 2023. The African food environments: An editorial. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, p.1181096.

8. Tandoh, A., Aryeetey, R., Agyemang, C., Holdsworth, M., Asiki, G., Zotor, F., ... & Laar, A. (2023). The Africa Food Environment Research Network (FERN): from concept to practice. Global Health Promotion, 30(2), 5-10.

9. Nanema, S., Amevinya, G. S., & Laar, A. (2023). Committing to transform food systems: Responsiveness of food systems transformation pledges by African governments to the WHO priority food systems policies and food-related CAADP biennial review performance categories.

10. Friel, S., Collin, J., Daube, M., Depoux, A., Freudenberg, N., Gilmore, A.B., Johns, P., Laar, A., Marten, R., McKee, M. and Mialon, M., 2023. Commercial determinants of health: future directions. The Lancet, 401(10383), pp.1229-1240.

11. Schneider, K. R., Fanzo, J., Haddad, L., Herrero, M., Moncayo, J. R., Herforth, A., ... Laar A, … & Wiebe, K. (2023). The state of food systems worldwide in the countdown to 2030. Nature Food, 4(12), 1090-1110.

12. Kruger, P., Wynberg, R., Mafuyeka, M., Laar, A., Mialon, M., Lake, L., Witten, C., Nisbett, N., Baker, P. and Hofman, K., 2023. The ultra-processed food industry in Africa. Nature Food, 4(7), pp.534-536.

13. Isanovic, S., Constantinides, S. V., Frongillo, E. A., Bhandari, S., Samin, S., Kenney, E., ... Laar A, … & Blake, C. E. (2023). How perspectives on food safety of vendors and consumers translate into food-choice behaviors in 6 African and Asian countries. Current Developments in Nutrition, 7(1), 100015.

14. Turner, C., Salm, L., Spires, M., Laar, A. and Holdsworth, M., 2023. Capturing the moment: a snapshot review of contemporary food environment research featuring participatory photography methods. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 65, p.101364.

15. Holdsworth, M., Kimenju, S., Hallen, G., Laar, A. and Oti, S.O., 2023. Review of policy action for healthy environmentally sustainable food systems in sub-Saharan Africa. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 65, p.101376.

16. Tandoh, A., Laar, A., Pradeilles, R., Le Port, A., Osei-Kwasi, H., Amevinya, G. S., ... & Holdsworth, M. (2023). Addressing the marketing and availability of unhealthy food and beverages in and around selected schools in Ghana: a community readiness appraisal. BMJ open, 13(9), e075166.

17. Wanjohi, M.N., Pradeilles, R., Asiki, G., Holdsworth, M., Kimani-Murage, E.W., Muthuri, S.K., Irache, A., Laar, A., Zotor, F., Tandoh, A. and Klomegah, S., 2023. Community perceptions on the factors in the social food environment that influence dietary behaviour in cities of Kenya and Ghana: a Photovoice study. Public Health Nutrition, 26(3), pp.661-673.

18. Liguori, J., Osei-Kwasi, H. A., Savy, M., Nanema, S., Laar, A., & Holdsworth, M. (2023, November). Public procurement for school meal programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa: nutritional outcomes, implementation challenges and programme enablers. In Proceedings (Vol. 91, No. 1, p. 51). MDPI.

19. Aovare, P., Abdulai, K., Laar, A., van der Linden, E.L., Moens, N., Richard, E., Moll van Charante, E.P. and Agyemang, C., 2023. Assessing the Effectiveness of mHealth Interventions for Diabetes and Hypertension Management in Africa: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 11, p.e43742.

20. Milani, Peiman, Pablo Torres-Aguilar, Bruce Hamaker, Mark Manary, Suha Abushamma, Amos Laar, Roy Steiner et al. "The whole grain manifesto: From green revolution to grain evolution." Global Food Security 34 (2022): 100649.   

21. Tandoh, A., Amevinya, G. S., Addo, P., & Laar, A. (2022). Nutrition-sensitive education and social protection policies have implications for food-based dietary guidelines for Ghana. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 22(2), 19386-19416.

22. Liguori, J., Pradeilles, R., Laar, A., Zotor, F., Tandoh, A., Klomegah, S., Osei‐Kwasi, H.A., Le Port, A., Bricas, N., Aryeetey, R. and Akparibo, R., 2022. Individual‐level drivers of dietary behaviour in adolescents and women through the reproductive life course in urban Ghana: A Photovoice study. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 18(4), p.e13412.    

23. Adjei, Akosua Pokua, Gideon Senyo Amevinya, Wilhemina Quarpong, Akua Tandoh, Richmond Aryeetey, Michelle Holdsworth, Charles Agyemang […] Amos Laar. "Availability of healthy and unhealthy foods in modern retail outlets located in selected districts of Greater Accra Region, Ghana." Frontiers in Public Health 10 (2022): 1-11.   

24. Garton, K., Kraak, V., Fanzo, J., Sacks, G., Vandevijvere, S., Haddad, L., Brinsden, H., Laar, A., Karupaiah, T., Omidvar, N. and Masters, W., 2022. A collective call to strengthen monitoring and evaluation efforts to support healthy and sustainable food systems:‘The Accountability Pact’. Public health nutrition, 25(9), pp.2353-2357.

25. Amevinya, Gideon Senyo, Stefanie Vandevijvere, Bridget Kelly, Seth Kwaku Afagbedzi, Richmond Aryeetey, Akosua Pokua Adjei, Wilhemina Quarpong […] Amos Laar. "Advertising of unhealthy foods and beverages around primary and junior high schools in Ghana's most urbanized and populous region." Frontiers in Public Health 10 (2022).  

26. Asalu, G. A., Axame, W. K., Manu, A., Laar, A., & Aryeetey, R. (2022). Nutrition and health-related information disclosure on pre-packaged food products from local retail shops in Accra. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 22(2), 19441-19456.

27. Nanema, Silver, Akosua Adjei, Gideon Senyo Amevinya, and Amos Laar. "“Some are healthy and others not”: Characterization of vended food products by Accra-based food retailers." Frontiers in Public Health 10 (2022).   

28. Laar, A.K., Addo, P., Aryeetey, R., Agyemang, C., Zotor, F., Asiki, G., Rampalli, K.K., Amevinya, G.S., Tandoh, A., Nanema, S. and Adjei, A.P., 2022. Perspective: Food Environment Research Priorities for Africa: Lessons from the Africa Food Environment Research Network. Advances in Nutrition.   

29. Laar, A., Osei-Kwasi, H. A., Laar, M. E., Bosu, W. K., Nanema, S., Asiki, G., ... & Vandevijvere, S. (2022). Monitoring food environments and systems for sustainable diets in Africa: Lessons from Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa. In Routledge Handbook of Sustainable Diets (pp. 673-691). Routledge.

30. Mishra, P., Vamadevan, A.S., Roy, A., Bhatia, R., Naik, N., Singh, S., Amevinya, G.S., Ampah, E.A., Fernandez, Y., Free, C. and Laar, A., Prabhakaran, D., Perel, P., Legido-Quigley, H 2021. Exploring Barriers to Medication Adherence Using COM-B Model of Behaviour Among Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases in Low-and Middle-Income Countries: A Qualitative Study. Patient preference and adherence, 15, p.1359. Available here https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34188453/ 

31. Laar, A. (2021). The role of food environment policies in making unhealthy foods unattractive and healthy foods available in Africa." The Lancet EClinicalMedicine 36 (2021).

32. Osei-Kwasi, H., Laar, A., Zotor, F. Pradeilles, R. Aryeetey, R. Green, M. Griffiths, P. Akparibo, R. Milka, N.W. Rousham, E. Barnes, A. Booth, A. Mensah, K. Asiki, G. Kimani-Murage, E. Bricas, N. Holdsworth, M. (2021) The African Urban Food Environment Framework for creating healthy nutrition policy and interventions in urban Africa. PLoS ONE. ISSN 1932-6203

33. Jafri A, Mathe N, Aglago EK, Konyole S, Ouedraogo M, Audain K, Zongo U, Laar AK, Johnson J, Sanou D. Food availability, accessibility, and dietary practices during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-country survey. Public Health Nutrition. 2021 Mar 5:1-23. 

34. Laar, A., Amoah Ampah, E., Fernandez, Y., Senyo Amevinya, G., Nortey, P., Benyah, F., Akamah, J., Ambenne, M., Lamptey, P., Free, C. and Legido‐Quigley, H., (2021). ‘What the herbal medicine can do for me in a week, the orthodox does in a year’: Perceived efficacy of local alternative therapies influences medication adherence in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Health Expectations. 

35. Laar AK, Ganle J, Owusu, A, Tenkorang E, Tuakli-Wosornu Y, Soyiri I, Okyerefo M, Senah K (2021). Representing health: an Afrocentric perspective. In: Practicing health geography: The Africa context. Eds: Prestige Tatenda Makanga, PT. Springer International Publishing. 

36. Booth, A., Barnes, A., Laar, A., Akparibo, R., Graham, F., Bash, K., Asiki, G. and Holdsworth, M., (2021). Policy action within urban African food systems to promote healthy food consumption: a realist synthesis in Ghana and Kenya. International Journal of Health Policy and Management. 

37. Reyes LI, Constantinides SV, Bhandari S, Frongillo EA, Schreinemachers P, Wertheim-Heck S, Walls H, Holdsworth M, Laar A, Nguyen T, Turner C. Actions in global nutrition initiatives to promote sustainable healthy diets. Global Food Security. 2021 Dec 1;31:100585.

38. Liguori, J., Trübswasser, U., Pradeilles, R., Le Port, A., Landais, E., Talsma, E.F., Lundy, M., Béné, C., Bricas, N., Laar, A. and Amiot, M.J., 2022. How do food safety concerns affect consumer behaviors and diets in low-and middle-income countries? A systematic review. Global Food Security, 32, p.100606.

39. Laar, A.K., Adler, A.J., Prieto-Merino, D., Der, R.M., Mangortey, D., Dirks, R., Perel, P. and Lamptey, P., 2021. An integrated community-based hypertension improvement program improves hypertension awareness in Ghana. Journal of Global Health Science, 3.

40. Fanzo, J., Haddad, L., Schneider, K.R., Béné, C., Covic, N.M., Guarin, A., Herforth, A.W., Herrero, M., Sumaila, U.R., Aburto, N.J., Barquera Cervera, S., Battersby, J., Beal, T., Brusset, E., Cafiero, C., Campeau, C., Caron, P., Cattaneo, A., Conforti, P., Davis, C., DeClerck, F.A.J., Elouafi, I., Fabi, C., Gephart, J.A., Golden, C.D., Hendriks, S.L., Huang, J., Laar, A., Lal, R., Lidder, P., Loken, B., Marshall, Q., Masuda, Y.J., McLaren, R., Molina, P.B., Neufeld, L.M., Nordhagen, S., Amuyunzu-Nyamongo, M., Orta-Aleman, D., Remans, R., Resnick, D.E., Silverberg, M., Torero Cullen, M., Tubiello, F.N., Vivero-Pol, J.L., Wei, S., and Rosero Moncayo, J.* (2021). Rigorous monitoring is necessary to guide food system transformation in the countdown to the 2030 global goals; Food Policy, 104, p.102163.

41. Laar, A., Kelly, B., Holdsworth, M., Quarpong, W., Aryeetey, R., Amevinya, G. S., Tandoh, A., Agyemang, C., Zotor, F., Laar, M. E., Mensah, K., Laryea, D., Asiki, G., Pradeilles, R., Sellen, D., L'abbe, M. R. & Vandevijvere, S. 2021. Providing Measurement, Evaluation, Accountability, and Leadership Support (MEALS) for Non-communicable Diseases Prevention in Ghana: Project Implementation Protocol. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8.

42. Pradeilles, R., Irache, A., Wanjohi, M.N., Holdsworth, M., Laar, A., Zotor, F., Tandoh, A., Klomegah, S., Graham, F., Muthuri, S.K. and Kimani-Murage, E.W., 2021. Urban physical food environments drive dietary behaviours in Ghana and Kenya: A photovoice study. Health & Place, 71, p.102647.

43. Osei-Kwasi, H., Laar, A., Zotor, F. Pradeilles, R. Aryeetey, R. Green, M. Griffiths, P. Akparibo, R. Milka, N.W. Rousham, E. Barnes, A. Booth, A. Mensah, K. Asiki, G. Kimani-Murage, E. Bricas, N. Holdsworth, M. (2021) The African Urban Food Environment Framework for creating healthy nutrition policy and interventions in urban Africa. PLoS ONE. ISSN 1932-6203

44. Laar, A., Amoah Ampah, E., Fernandez, Y., Senyo Amevinya, G., Nortey, P., Benyah, F., Akamah, J., Ambenne, M., Lamptey, P., Free, C. and Legido‐Quigley, H., (2021). ‘What the herbal medicine can do for me in a week, the orthodox does in a year’: Perceived efficacy of local alternative therapies influences medication adherence in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Health Expectations.   

45. Booth, A., Barnes, A., Laar, A., Akparibo, R., Graham, F., Bash, K., Asiki, G. and Holdsworth, M., (2021). Policy action within urban African food systems to promote healthy food consumption: a realist synthesis in Ghana and Kenya. International Journal of Health Policy and Management. 

46. Walls, H., Nisbett, N., Laar, A., Drimie, S., Zaid, S. and Harris, J., (2020). Addressing Malnutrition: The Importance of Political Economy Analysis of Power. International Journal of Health Policy and Management.   

47. Holdsworth M, Pradeilles R, Tandoh A, Green M, Wanjohi M, Zotor F, Asiki G, Klomegah S, Abdul-Haq Z, Osei-Kwasi H, Akparibo R, Bricas N, Auma CI, Griffiths P, Laar A (2020) Unhealthy eating practices of city-dwelling Africans in deprived neighbourhoods: evidence for policy action from Ghana and Kenya. Global Food Security; Vol 26;   

48. Ogum-Alangea, D., Aryeetey, R.N., Gray, H.L., Laar, A.K. and Adanu, R.M., 2020. Basic school pupils’ food purchases during mid-morning break in urban Ghanaian schools. PloS one, 15(9), p.e0238308.

49. Green, M. A., Pradeilles, R., Laar, A., Osei-Kwasi, H., Bricas, N., Coleman, N., ... & Aryeetey, R. N. O. (2020). Investigating foods and beverages sold and advertised in deprived urban neighbourhoods in Ghana and Kenya: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 10(6), e035680.

50. Laar, A., Barnes, A., Aryeetey, R., Tandoh, A., Bash, K., Mensah, K., ... & Holdsworth, M. (2020). Implementation of healthy food environment policies to prevent nutrition-related non-communicable diseases in Ghana: National experts’ assessment of government action. Food Policy, 101907.

51. Parker, M. E., Zobrist, S., Lutterodt, H. E., Asiedu, C. R., Donahue, C., Edick, C., ... Laar, A, & Cyril M. Engmann (2020). Evaluating the nutritional content of an insect-fortified food for the child complementary diet in Ghana. BMC nutrition, 6, 1-11.

52. Osei-Kwasi, H., Mohindra, A., Booth, A., Laar, A., Wanjohi, M., Graham, F., ... & Holdsworth, M. (2020). Factors influencing dietary behaviours in urban food environments in Africa: a systematic mapping review. Public Health Nutrition, 1-18.

53. Walls, H., Nisbett, N., Laar, A., Drimie, S., Zaid, S. and Harris, J., (2020). Addressing Malnutrition: The Importance of Political Economy Analysis of Power. International Journal of Health Policy and Management. 

54. Laar A, DeBruin D, Ofori-Asenso R, Laar M. E, Redman B, & Caplan A. (2020). Rationing health and social goods during pandemics: Guidance for Ghanaian decision makers. Clinical Ethics, 1477750920977095. 

55. Holdsworth M, Pradeilles R, Tandoh A, Green M, Wanjohi M, Zotor F, Asiki G, Klomegah S, Abdul-Haq Z, Osei-Kwasi H, Akparibo R, Bricas N, Auma CI, Griffiths P, Laar A (2020) Unhealthy eating practices of city-dwelling Africans in deprived neighbourhoods: evidence for policy action from Ghana and Kenya. Global Food Security; Vol 26; 

56. Laar, A.K., Redman, B.K., Ferguson, K. and Caplan, A., 2020. Institutional Approaches to Research Integrity in Ghana. Science and Engineering Ethics, pp.1-16.

57. Ogum-Alangea, D., Aryeetey, R.N., Gray, H.L., Laar, A.K. and Adanu, R.M., 2020. Basic school pupils’ food purchases during mid-morning break in urban Ghanaian schools. PloS one, 15(9), p.e0238308.

58. Modey Amoah, E., Esinam Okai, D., Manu, A., Laar, A., Akamah, J. and Torpey, K., 2020. The Role of Lifestyle Factors in Controlling Blood Pressure among Hypertensive Patients in Two Health Facilities in Urban Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Hypertension, 2020.

59. Green, M. A., Pradeilles, R., Laar, A., Osei-Kwasi, H., Bricas, N., Coleman, N., ... & Aryeetey, R. N. O. (2020). Investigating foods and beverages sold and advertised in deprived urban neighbourhoods in Ghana and Kenya: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 10(6), e035680.

60. Laar, A., Barnes, A., Aryeetey, R., Tandoh, A., Bash, K., Mensah, K., ... & Holdsworth, M. (2020). Implementation of healthy food environment policies to prevent nutrition-related non-communicable diseases in Ghana: National experts’ assessment of government action. Food Policy, 101907.

61. Parker, M. E., Zobrist, S., Lutterodt, H. E., Asiedu, C. R., Donahue, C., Edick, C., ... Laar, A, & Cyril M. Engmann (2020). Evaluating the nutritional content of an insect-fortified food for the child complementary diet in Ghana. BMC nutrition, 6, 1-11.

62. Osei-Kwasi, H., Mohindra, A., Booth, A., Laar, A., Wanjohi, M., Graham, F., ... & Holdsworth, M. (2020). Factors influencing dietary behaviours in urban food environments in Africa: a systematic mapping review. Public Health Nutrition, 1-18.

63. Agyeman, A. A., Laar, A., & Ofori‐Asenso, R. (2020). Will COVID‐19 be a litmus test for post‐Ebola sub‐Saharan Africa?. Journal of Medical Virology.

64. Okai, D. E., Manu, A., Amoah, E. M., Laar, A., Akamah, J., & Torpey, K. (2020). Patient-level factors influencing hypertension control in adults in Accra, Ghana. BMC cardiovascular disorders, 20(1), 1-7.

65. Adler, A. J., Laar, A. K., Kotoh, A. M., Legido-Quigley, H., Perel, P., Lamptey, P., & Lange, I. L. (2020). Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a community-based hypertension improvement project in Ghana: a qualitative study of ComHIP. BMC Health Services Research, 20(1), 1-13.

66. Tsrah, P., Quarpong, W. and Laar, A., 2020. Healthiness of foods on promotional flyers of fast-food outlets located within Accra-based shopping malls. World Nutrition, 11(3), pp.51-61.

67. Amevinya, G. S., Quarpong, W., & Laar, A. (2020). Commercial food advertising on the campus of Ghana’s largest University. World Nutrition, 11(2), 57-73.

68. Laar, A. K., Adler, A. J., Kotoh, A. M., Legido-Quigley, H., Lange, I. L., Perel, P., & Lamptey, P. (2019). Health system challenges to hypertension and related non-communicable diseases prevention and treatment: perspectives from Ghanaian stakeholders. BMC health services research, 19(1), 693. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31615529/

69. Pradeilles, R., Marr, C., Laar, A., Holdsworth, M., Zotor, F., Tandoh, A., … & Griffiths, P. L. (2019). How ready are communities to implement actions to improve diets of adolescent girls and women in urban Ghana?. BMC public health, 19(1), 646. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31138180/ 

70. Adler, A. J., Laar, A., Prieto-Merino, D., Der, R. M., Mangortey, D., Dirks, R., … & Perel, P. (2019). Can a nurse-led community-based model of hypertension care improve hypertension control in Ghana? Results from the ComHIP cohort study. BMJ open, 9(4), e026799. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30944139/ 

71. Ogum-Alangea, D. O., Aryeetey, R. N., Gray, H. L., Laar, A. K., & Adanu, R. M. (2018). Dietary patterns and associated risk factors among school age children in urban Ghana. BMC Nutrition, 4(1), 22. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32153885/ 

72. Ofori-Asenso, R. Agyeman, AA, Laar AK (2017). Metabolic syndrome in apparently “healthy” Ghanaian adults — a systematic review and meta-analysis.  International Journal of Chronic Diseases. Volume 2017 (2017) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29130065/ 

73. Laar AK, Kotoh A, Parker M, Milani P, Tawiah C, Soor S, Anankware JP, Kalra N, Manu G, Tandoh A, Zobrist S, Engmann C, Pelto G (2017). An exploration of edible palm weevil larvae (akokono) as a source of nutrition and livelihood: perspectives from Ghanaian stakeholders. Food and Nutrition Bulletin; 38(4), 455-467. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28969506/ 

74. Laar AK, Aryeetey RNO, Mpereh M, Zotor FB (2017). Improving nutrition-sensitivity of social protection programmes in Ghana. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society;  76(4), 516-523. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28942749/ 

75. Atsu BK, Guure C, Laar AK (2017). Determinants of overweight with concurrent stunting among Ghanaian children”.  BMC Pediatrics; 17 (1), 177; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28750614/ 

76. Laar AK, Aryeetey RNO, Annan R, Aryee PA, Amagloh FK, Akparibo R, Laar ME, Amuna P, Zotor FB (2017). Contribution of SUN Academic Platforms to nutrition capacity strengthening in Africa: Local efforts, continental prospects, and challenges. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society; 76(4), 524-534. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28756793/ 

77. Kalra, N., Pelto, G., Tawiah, C., Zobrist, S., Milani, P., Manu, G., …Laar AK & Parker, M. (2017). Patterns of cultural consensus and intracultural diversity in Ghanaian complementary feeding practices. Maternal & Child Nutrition. 14(1), e12445. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28382771/ 

78. Lamptey, P., Laar, A., Adler, A. J., Dirks, R., Caldwell, A., Prieto-Merino, D., ... & Perel, P. (2017). Evaluation of a community-based hypertension improvement programme (ComHIP) in Ghana: data from a baseline survey. BMC Public Health, 17(1), 368. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28454523/ 

79. Milani, P., Parker, M., Kreis, K., Wittenbrink, B., Han, Z., Zobrist, S., Soor S.,  Laar A., & Tawiah, C. (2016). Six Legs to Nutrition: A New Old Food Source. Sight and Life, 30(2), 112.

80. Ofori-Asenso, R., Agyeman, A. A., Laar, A., and Boateng, D. (2016). Overweight and obesity epidemic in Ghana—a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 16(1), 1239. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27938360/ 

81. Dun-Dery  E. J, and Laar A.K. (2016). Exclusive breastfeeding among city-dwelling professional working mothers in Ghana. International Breastfeeding Journal 11(1), 23. DOI:10.1186/s13006-016-0083-8  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27602050/ 

82. Marras, S., Mohamed Ag-Bendech, M., Laar, A. (2016). Street Food Vending in Accra, Ghana. Technical Report 2016. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Accra

83. Laar AK, Aryeetey RNO, Akparibo R, Zotor F and the Ghana SUN Academic Platform. (2015). Nutrition sensitivity of the 2014 Budget Statement of Republic of Ghana. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 2015; 74 (4), 526-532 h

84. Arzoaquoi SK, Essuman EE, Gbagbo FY, Tenkorang EY, Soyiri I, Laar AK  (2015). Motivations for food prohibitions during pregnancy and their enforcement mechanisms in a rural Ghanaian district. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2015) 11:59 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26182983/ 

85. Laar AK, Manu A, Laar M, El-Adas A, Amenyah R, Atuahene K, Quarshie D Adjei AA Quakyi I (2015). Coping Strategies of HIV-affected Households in Ghana. BMC Public Health 2015, 15(1):166. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25886186/ 

86. Aryeetey RNO Laar AK, Zotor F, Ghana SUN Academic Platform (2015). Capacity for scaling up nutrition: a focus on pre-service training in West Africa. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 2015; 74 (4), 533-537 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25586054/ 

    Bioethics, Social Public Health and other publications  

87. Blankson, P. K., Akumiah, F., Laar, A., Kearns, L., & Owusu, S. A. (2024). The informed consent process: An evaluation of the challenges and adherence of Ghanaian researchers. Developing World Bioethics.

88. Vanotoo, L., Dwomoh, D., Laar, A., Kotoh, A. M., & Adanu, R. (2023). Modeling clinical and non-clinical determinants of intrapartum stillbirths in singletons in six public hospitals in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana: a case–control study. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 1013.

89. Owusu, S.A., Addison, G., Redman, B., Kearns, L., Amuna, P. and Laar, A., 2022. Assessment of the Operational Characteristics of Research Ethics Committees in Ghana. Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics, 17(1-2), pp.114-128. 

90. Sacks, E., Sakyi, K., Owusu, P.G., Ohrt, C., Ademuwagun, L., Watkoske, K., Zabel, C., Laar, A. and Kanyangarara, M., 2022. Factors contributing to neonatal mortality reduction in three regions in Ghana: A mixed-methods study using the Lives Saved (LiST) modelling tool. Journal of Global Health Reports, 5, p.e2021109. 

91. Afulani, P.A., Gyamerah, A.O., Nutor, J.J., Laar, A., Aborigo, R.A., Malechi, H., Sterling, M. and Awoonor-Williams, J.K., 2021. Inadequate preparedness for response to COVID-19 is associated with stress and burnout among healthcare workers in Ghana. PloS one, 16(4), p.e0250294. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33861808/ 

92. Adjei, G.O., Laar, A., Kurtzhals, J.A. and Goka, B.Q., 2020. Enrolment of children in clinical research: Understanding Ghanaian caregivers’ perspectives on consent/assent procedures, and their attitudes towards storage of biological samples for future use. Clinical Ethics, p.1477750920958570.

93. Kanyangarara, M., Sakyi, K., & Laar, A. (2019). Availability of integrated family planning services in HIV care and support sites in sub-Saharan Africa: a secondary analysis of national health facility surveys. Reproductive health, 16(1), 60. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31138242/ 

94. Quakyi, I. A., Adjei, G. O., Sullivan, D. J., Laar, A., Stephens, J. K., Owusu, R., … & Essuman, E. (2018). Diagnostic capacity, and predictive values of rapid diagnostic tests for accurate diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum in febrile children in Asante-Akim, Ghana. Malaria journal, 17(1), 468. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30547795/ 

95. Ayanore, MA, Ofori-Asenso, R, Laar AK (2018). Predictors of Health Care Service Quality among Women Insured Under Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme. Annals of Global Health; 2018 84(4); 640-649 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30779512/ 

96. Owusu, A. Y., & Laar, A. (2018). Managing HIV-positive sero-status in Ghana’s most HIV concentrated district: self-perceived explanations and theoretical discourse. African Journal of AIDS Research, 17(1), 82-90. 

97. Miles, S. H., & Laar, A. K. (2018). Bioethics North and South: Creating a common ground. Ethics, Medicine and Public Health, 4, 59-64. 

98. Tenkorang, E. Y., Owusu, A. Y., Laar, A. K., & Yeboah, E. H. (2017). Housing, psychosocial and adherence counseling among HIV+ persons in Ghana. Health Promotion International.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29048546/ 

99. Quakyi, I. A., Adjei, G. O., Sullivan, D. J., Stephens, J. K., Laar, A., Aubyn, V. N. A., ... & Vanotoo, L. (2017). Targeted community-based interventions improved malaria management competencies in rural Ghana. Global Health Research and Policy, 2(1), 29. 

100. Laar AK, and DeBruin D (2017). Key populations and human rights in the context of HIV services rendition in Ghana. BMC Int Health Hum Rights. 2017 Aug 2;17(1):20.   

101. Sorokowski P, Randall AK, Groyecka A, Frackowiak T, Cantarero K, Hilpert, P … Laar AK, … Sorokowska A (2017). Marital Satisfaction, Sex, Age, Marriage Duration, Religion, Number of Children, Economic Status, Education, and Collectivistic Values: Data from 33 Countries. Frontiers in Psychology; 8:1199.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5519603/ 

102. Laar, A. K., Kwara, A., Nortey, P. A., Ankomah, A., Okyerefo, M. P., & Lartey, M. Y. (2017). Use of non-prescription remedies by Ghanaian HIV-positive persons on antiretroviral therapy. Frontiers in Public Health, 5, 115. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28603710/ 

103. Sorokowska, A., Sorokowski, P., Hilpert, P., Cantarero, K., Frackowiak, T., Ahmadi, K., ... Laar AK…& Blumen, S. (2017). Preferred Interpersonal Distances: A Global Comparison. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 48(4), 577-592. 

104. Tenkorang, E. Y., Owusu, A. Y., & Laar, A. K. (2017). Housing and Health Outcomes of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) in the Lower Manya Krobo District, Ghana. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 28(1), 191-215. 

105. Laar, A., Sutherland, E., Gage, A. J., and Ghana KYR Study Group. (2016). Knowing your HIV/AIDS response: A pilot test of a new service mapping toolkit in Ghana. HIV & AIDS Review. 

106. Ankomah, A., Ganle, J. K., Lartey, M. Y., Kwara, A., Nortey, P. A., Okyerefo, M. P. K., and Laar, A. K. (2016). ART access-related barriers faced by HIV-positive persons linked to care in southern Ghana: a mixed method study. BMC Infectious Diseases, 16(1), 738. 

107. Hilpert, P., Randall, A. K., Sorokowski, P., Atkins, D. C., Sorokowska, A., Ahmadi, K., ... Laar AK, … and Błażejewska, M. (2016). The Associations of Dyadic Coping and Relationship Satisfaction Vary between and within Nations: A 35-Nation Study. Frontiers in Psychology, 7 (2016)

108. Adjei, A. A., Winch, P., Laar,  A., SullivanJr.,  D. J., … and Quakyi, I. A.  (2016). Insights into the Affordable Medicines Facility-malaria in Ghana: the role of caregivers and licensed chemical sellers in four regions. Malaria Journal, 15(1) 

109. Gbagbo FY, Amo-Adjei J and Laar AK (2015). Decision-making for induced abortion in the Accra Metropolis, Ghana.  African Journal of Reproductive Health 2015; 19 (2): 34-42. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26506656/ 

110. Adjei KK, Laar AK, Narh CT, Abdulai MA, Newton S, Owusu-Agyei S and Adjei S. (2015) A comparative study on the availability of modern contraceptives and in public and private health facilities in a peri-urban community in Ghana. Reproductive Health 2015 Aug; 12:68. 

111. Laar AK, DeBruin D (2015). Ethics-sensitivity of the Ghana national integrated strategic response plan for pandemic influenza. BMC Medical Ethics 2015, 16:30   

112. Laar AK, DeBruin DA, Craddock S (2015). Partner notification in the context of HIV: an interest-analysis. AIDS Research and Therapy 2015, 12:15 

113. Laar AK, Taylor AE, Akasoe BA (2015). HIV-seropositivity is not important in childbearing decision making among HIV-positive Ghanaian women receiving antiretroviral therapy. AIDS Care 2015; 27 (7), 870-875 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25650646/ 

114. L'Engle KL, Green K, Succop SM, Laar AK, Wambugu S (2015). Scaled-Up Mobile Phone Intervention for HIV Care and Treatment: Protocol for a Facility Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2015; 4(1):e11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25650838/ 

115. Laar AK , El-Adas A, Amenyah RN, Atuahene K, Asare E, Tenkorang EY, Laar M, Adjei AA and Quakyi I (2015) Food and nutrition assistance to HIV-infected and affected populations in Ghana: a situational analysis and stakeholder views. African Geographical Review, 34:1, 69-82, 

116. Apasera E. and Laar AK (2015). Utilization of HIV Testing and Counseling Services by Men in the Bolgatanga Municipality. International Journal of Tropical Diseases & Health. 2015; 5: 3; 

117. Appiah-Kubi P, Laar AK (2014). Nutritional status of school-age children in the Nkwanta south district - Volta region of Ghana. European Scientific Journal; 2014; 10:30

118. Laar, AK, Fiaveh, D., Laar, M., Boatemaa, S., Abugri, J., El-Adas, A., Amenyah, R., Atuahene, K., Adjei, A. and Quakyi, I (2014). Profiles of HIV-Affected Households in Ghana. Health, 2014; 6, 2004-2013. 

119. Laar AK (2014). Researcher vulnerability: An overlooked issue in vulnerability discourses. Scientific Research and Essays, 2014; 9(16), 737 – 743.

120. Laar AK, Amankwa B, Asiedu C (2014). Prevention-of-Mother-To-Child-Transmission of HIV Services in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Qualitative Analysis of Healthcare Providers and Clients Challenges in Ghana. International Journal of MCH and AIDS; 2014; 2(2): 244-249 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27621979/ 

121. Aikins M, Laar AK, Nonvignon J, Sackey S, Ikeda T, Woode J, Nang-Beifubah A, and Nyonator F (2013). Evaluation of facilitative supervision visits in primary health care service delivery in Northern Ghana. BMC Health Services Research 2013, 13:358. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24063365/ 

122. Laar AK, Grant FE, Addo Y, Soyiri I, Nkansah B, Abugri J, Laar AS, Ampofo WK, Tuakli JM, Quakyi IA (2013). Predictors of fetal anemia and cord blood malaria parasitemia among newborns of HIV-positive mothers BMC Res Notes 2013, 6, 350. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24007344/ 

123. Laar AK (2013). Reproductive rights and options available to women infected with HIV in Ghana: perspectives of service providers from three Ghanaian health facilities. BMC Women's Health 2013,13:13; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23496943/ 

124. Laar AK (2013). Is it a rights violation or lack of knowledge about options? An examination of HIV counselors’ views on whether women infected with HIV should procreate. The Pan African Medical Journal. 2013; 14:79. https://www.panafrican-med-journal.com/content/article/14/79/full/ 

125. Laar AK (2010). Family Planning, Abortion, and HIV in Ghanaian Print Media: A 15-month Content Analysis of a National Ghanaian Newspaper. African Journal of Reproductive Health; 14(4); 83-89. 

126. Laar, A.S., Laar, A.K. and Dalinjong, P.A., 2013. Community perception of malaria and its influence on health-seeking behaviour in rural Ghana: a descriptive study. Malaria World Journal, 4(1),269-278.

127. Laar AK, Ampofo W, Tuakli JM, Norgbe GK, and Quakyi IA. (2010). Preterm delivery and low birth weight among neonates born to HIV-positive and HIV-negative Ghanaian women. Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology 2(9); 224 – 237

128. Laar AK, Ampofo W., Tuakli JM., Wonodi C., Asante R. K., and Quakyi IA. (2009). Factors associated with suboptimal intake of some important nutrients among HIV-positive pregnant adolescents from two Ghanaian districts. Journal of Ghana Science Association; 11(2); 25 – 39. 

129. Laar AK, Ampofo W., Tuakli JM., and Quakyi IA (2009). Infant feeding choices and experiences of HIV-positive mothers from two Ghanaian districts. Journal of AIDS and HIV Research 1(2); 23-33

130. Laar AK, Owusu WB and Yeboah K (2004). Anthropometric Characteristics of HIV/AIDS patients in Accra, Ghana. Journal of Ghana Science Association; 6(1) pp 1-7.

     Book chapters 

131. Laar, A. (2022). Making National HIV/AIDS Response Responsive to Social Public Health: Lessons from Ghana. In Balancing the Socio-political and Medico-ethical Dimensions of HIV: A Social Public Health Approach (pp. 91-96). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

132. Laar, A. (2022). The Practice of Public Health. In Balancing the Socio-political and Medico-ethical Dimensions of HIV: A Social Public Health Approach (pp. 1-17). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

133. Laar, A. (2022). Public Health Approaches to HIV and AIDS. In Balancing the Socio-political and Medico-ethical Dimensions of HIV: A Social Public Health Approach (pp. 19-37). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

134. Laar, A. (2022). Developing Socially and Ethically Responsive National AIDS Policies. In Balancing the Socio-political and Medico-ethical Dimensions of HIV: A Social Public Health Approach (pp. 77-89). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

135. Laar, A. (2022). “They Are Criminals”: AIDS, the Law, Harm Reduction, and the Socially Excluded. In Balancing the Socio-political and Medico-ethical Dimensions of HIV: A Social Public Health Approach (pp. 65-76). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

136. Laar, A. (2022). Access to Life-Saving Public Health Goods by Persons Infected with or Affected by HIV. In Balancing the Socio-political and Medico-ethical Dimensions of HIV: A Social Public Health Approach (pp. 51-63). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

137. Laar, A. (2022). HIV Interventions: Which Should Count? Which Should Not? And Why Not?. In Balancing the Socio-political and Medico-ethical Dimensions of HIV: A Social Public Health Approach (pp. 39-50). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

138. Laar, A., Ganle, J., Owusu, A., Tenkorang, E., Tuakli-Wosornu, Y.A., Soyiri, I., Okyerefo, M. and Senah, K., 2021. Representing Health: An Afrocentric Perspective from Ghana. In Practicing Health Geography (pp. 93-104). Springer, Cham.

139.  Tuakli-Wosornu, Y.  Naushad, N. Laar, A. Townsend, C. Lin E. (2019). Chapter 10 Medical Issues, Pharmacology and Nutrient Interactions. In: Sports Nutrition for Paralympic Athletes, Eds Elizabeth Broad. DOI: 10.1201/9780429491955-12 Taylor and Francis Group.   

140. Opuni KF, Laar A, Arhinful K (2018). Health Commodities and Technology: In State of the Nationa’s Health Report. Eds. University of Ghana, School of Public Health

141. Wentzel-Viljoen, E., Laar, A., & Umugwaneza, M. (2018). Ethics in Nutrition–An African Perspective. In African Perspectives on Ethics for Healthcare Professionals (pp. 73-89). Hoffmann, N., N, W.A. De Jongh, J-C, (Eds.); Springer, Cham.   

142. Laar AK, and Tandoh, A. (2016) Not Infected but Affected: The Burden of Aids-Induced Food Insecurity among HIV-Affected Households in Ghana. In: Rosalie Garner (Eds). Food Insecurity: Patterns, Prevalence and Risk Factors. Nova Science Pub Inc, New York, NY, USA.     

143.  Laar AK, Andrews NAE, Amoah-Ampah E, Laar M. (2015) Coping and Hoping in HIV: The Struggles of the Ghanaian HIV-Positive. In:  Marcus Bachman (Eds). Coping Strategies and Health pp. 87-126. Nova Science Pub Inc, New York, NY, USA.   

144. Laar AK, Aryeetey R (2014): Nutrition of women and children: Focus on Ghana and HIV/AIDS. In:  N. Stein (Eds.), Public Health Nutrition Principles and Practice in Community and Global Health (pp 187 -210). Jones & Bartlett, Burlington MA, USA. 

     Books

145. Laar A, Baye K, Lartey A, Zotor F, Asiki G(2023) Eds. The African Food Environments. Frontiers in Public Health 

146. Laar, A. (2022). Balancing the socio-political and medico-ethical dimensions of HIV: A social public health approach. Springer Nature.

147. Laar, AK (2010). “Malaria-HIV co-infection: Adverse perinatal outcomes”.  Published by Verlag Dr. Müller Aktiengesellschaft & Co. KG and licensors. Germany; pp 59 2010.  ISBN 978-3-639-23-594-4. 

The complete list of Dr. Laar’s publications is available from the links below:

PubMed link ||Google Scholar link 

Ongoing Projects

Completed Projects