WASPEN Raises Alarm Over Hidden Burden of Hospital Malnutrition, Announces 5th Clinical Nutrition Conference in Asaba
By Naomi Onome
The West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN) has raised fresh concerns over the growing burden of hospital malnutrition in Nigeria, describing it as a silent but deadly healthcare challenge that continues to undermine patient recovery and increase healthcare costs across the country.
The warning came as the society officially announced its 5th Annual Clinical Nutrition Conference, scheduled to hold from June 22 to 25, 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Delta State.
Speaking during a virtual press conference, the founder and president of WASPEN, Dr Teresa Isichei Pounds, said malnutrition remains one of the most under-recognised threats to patient safety and recovery within healthcare institutions.
According to her, hospital malnutrition affects patients across all age groups, including premature newborns; critically ill children; adults suffering from chronic diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis and cancer; as well as surgical patients.
She noted that studies have shown that hospital malnutrition contributes to prolonged hospital stays, increased infections, delayed wound healing, higher treatment costs, increased readmission rates and mortality.
“Hospital malnutrition is a hidden burden. It exists across our healthcare institutions, but many patients are not routinely screened for nutritional deficiencies. As a result, many suffer avoidable complications that worsen their conditions and increase the cost of care,” she said.
Dr Pounds revealed that available data indicate that between 30 and 45 per cent of patients admitted into tertiary hospitals in Nigeria are malnourished at the point of admission, while the figure rises significantly among elderly patients. She stressed that inadequate nutrition screening and the absence of multidisciplinary nutrition support teams in many hospitals remain major obstacles to effective management.
Five Years of Advocacy and Growth
Reflecting on the journey of the organisation, Dr Pounds explained that WASPEN was established in 2019 with the vision of transforming clinical nutrition care across West Africa through education, advocacy, research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
She said the society has evolved into a regional movement bringing together physicians, pharmacists, nurses, dietitians, researchers, policymakers and industry stakeholders to improve patient outcomes through better nutrition care.
Among the achievements recorded by the organisation over the past five years are the successful hosting of four consecutive annual clinical nutrition conferences, the establishment of multidisciplinary nutrition support steering committees in major healthcare institutions, and the promotion of Malnutrition Awareness Week in partnership with the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN).
According to her, institutions that have established nutrition support committees include the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, National Hospital Abuja, Army Command and NAOWA Hospital Abuja, and Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital.
She disclosed that the committees are already improving nutrition screening, early intervention and collaborative patient care within their respective institutions.
Conference to Focus on Neonatal and Paediatric Nutrition
The 2026 conference is themed “Sustainable Clinical Nutrition Services: Ensuring Access, Safety and Collaboration”.
Dr Pounds explained that the theme reflects the need to ensure that patients requiring nutritional support have access to quality care regardless of their economic status or location, while promoting evidence-based practice and stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals.
She said special attention would be devoted to neonatal and paediatric nutrition, given the vulnerability of newborns and children whose survival and development depend heavily on appropriate nutritional support.
The conference will feature international experts, scientific presentations, policy discussions, hands-on workshops, community outreach programmes and networking sessions.
“We expect more than 300 participants from Nigeria and beyond, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers and international collaborators,” she said.
She further announced that WASPEN has expanded its reach beyond Nigeria with the establishment of a chapter in Ghana, a move aimed at strengthening clinical nutrition advocacy across West Africa.
FMC Asaba Ready to Host
The Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Dr Omo Ekeneam, expressed delight that the institution was selected to host the landmark conference.
He assured stakeholders that the hospital was fully prepared to receive delegates and facilitate a successful event.
According to him, although specialists within the hospital have traditionally handled nutrition-related issues at departmental levels, the conference would help institutionalise a broader hospital-wide approach to addressing malnutrition.
“We are excited to host this conference because of the immense benefits it will bring to our institution and the healthcare system. Preparations are already ongoing, and we are engaging the Delta State Government to ensure a successful event,” he stated.
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Nutrition Must Become Core Clinical Service
Also speaking, Chairman of the 2026 WASPEN Clinical Nutrition Conference, Pharm. (Chief) Paul Osogbe Enebeli, emphasised that clinical nutrition should no longer be regarded as an optional support service but as a critical component of healthcare delivery.
He noted that malnutrition continues to worsen patient outcomes, prolong hospitalisation and increase financial pressure on both families and healthcare institutions.
“Many of these outcomes are preventable through timely nutrition screening, early intervention and coordinated multidisciplinary care. Clinical nutrition must therefore be recognised as an essential clinical service,” he said.
Enebeli highlighted the growing collaboration between WASPEN and key local and international organisations, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, ASPEN, ISPEN and several professional associations, all aimed at strengthening capacity-building and evidence-based nutrition practice.
Call for Greater Government Commitment
Responding to questions from journalists, Dr Pounds urged the federal government to accord hospital malnutrition the same level of attention currently given to community-based malnutrition interventions.
She stressed the need for greater investment in nutrition screening programmes, specialised nutrition products and multidisciplinary support systems within healthcare facilities.
According to her, many patients who require advanced nutrition therapies, such as parenteral nutrition, are often unable to access treatment because of financial constraints and limited availability of resources.
“The government needs to recognise that hospital malnutrition has both clinical and economic consequences. We need the resources to identify these patients early and provide the necessary interventions that can save lives and reduce healthcare costs,” she said.
Stakeholders Rally Support
Participants at the press conference, including members of the WASPEN Board of Trustees, healthcare professionals and academics, commended the initiative and pledged their support toward tackling hospital malnutrition.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr Ekaneam Ono, assured prospective participants of adequate preparations, including logistics, accommodation and security arrangements.
He noted that Asaba’s strategic location makes it accessible to participants from the South-South, South-East and South-West regions of Nigeria.
The conference is expected to attract healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, students, industry leaders and development partners from across Nigeria and other parts of the world.
Organisers expressed optimism that deliberations at the conference would generate practical recommendations capable of strengthening nutrition care systems, improving patient outcomes and influencing policy reforms in Nigeria and across West Africa.
High-Profile Guests Expected to Attend WASPEN Conference
The 5th Annual WASPEN Clinical Nutrition Conference is expected to attract an array of distinguished government officials, healthcare leaders, traditional rulers, researchers, and international experts from across the globe.
Among the dignitaries expected at the event are the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, who will serve as the special guest of honour; and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, who is also billed to attend as a special guest of honour.
The Royal Father of the Day will be His Royal Majesty, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, the Asagba of Asaba, whose presence is expected to underscore the importance of community engagement in advancing healthcare and nutrition initiatives.
The conference will be chaired by Pharm. (Chief) DSC Paul Osogbe Enebeli, FPSN, FPC Pharm, FNA Pharm, Chairman of the WASPEN 2026 Clinical Nutrition Conference.
Delivering the keynote address will be Mrs Ladi Bako Aiyegbusi, mni, former director of nutrition at the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, who is expected to provide critical insights into nutrition policy and healthcare development in Nigeria.
The conference will also feature presentations from renowned international experts, including Dr Zandratetta Tim Cook, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, Founder of Heather Ivy Society Inc. and Medical Director of Faebris Medical, United States; Dr Mario Ferreyra, MD, PhD, Consultant Surgeon from Lima, Peru; and Dr Leo C. Egunjobi, MD, FACC, FSCAI, an international cardiologist based in Beloit, Wisconsin, USA, who is also a WASPEN Patron and member of the organisation’s board.
Other prominent attendees include the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme; the Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Dr Omo Ekaneam, who serves as chief host of the conference; and Dr Teresa Isichei Pounds, Founder and President of WASPEN, who is the chief host and driving force behind the organisation’s campaign to combat hospital malnutrition across West Africa.
The gathering of such high-profile local and international stakeholders reflects the growing recognition of clinical nutrition as a critical component of healthcare delivery and patient recovery across the region.
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