The West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN) has expressed concern over the growing challenge of hospital malnutrition in Nigeria, describing it as a major but often overlooked factor affecting patient recovery and healthcare outcomes.
The organisation made the observation while announcing 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 briefing, WASPEN Founder and President, Dr. Teresa Isichei Pounds, said hospital malnutrition continues to affect patients across different age groups, including newborns, children, adults living with chronic illnesses, and surgical patients.
According to her, poor nutritional status among hospitalised patients contributes to prolonged hospital stays, delayed recovery, increased risk of infections, higher treatment costs, and greater mortality rates.
She noted that many patients are admitted to healthcare facilities with existing nutritional deficiencies, while routine nutrition screening remains inadequate in several institutions.
Dr. Pounds revealed that studies indicate a significant proportion of patients admitted into tertiary hospitals are already malnourished, with elderly patients particularly vulnerable. She stressed the need for stronger nutrition assessment systems and multidisciplinary nutrition support teams to improve patient care.
Reflecting on the organisation’s growth since its establishment in 2019, she said WASPEN has expanded efforts to promote clinical nutrition through advocacy, education, research, and collaboration among healthcare professionals.
She highlighted achievements including annual clinical nutrition conferences, awareness campaigns, and the establishment of nutrition support committees in several healthcare institutions across Nigeria. According to her, these committees have helped improve nutrition screening, early intervention, and coordinated patient management.
The 2026 conference, themed “Sustainable Clinical Nutrition Services: Ensuring Access, Safety and Collaboration,” will focus on strengthening access to quality nutrition care while promoting evidence-based practices and collaboration among healthcare professionals.
Special attention will be given to neonatal and paediatric nutrition, with experts expected to discuss strategies for improving nutritional support for newborns and children.
Organisers said the conference will feature scientific presentations, workshops, policy discussions, community outreach programmes, and networking opportunities for healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and international partners.
WASPEN also disclosed that it has expanded its presence beyond Nigeria with the establishment of a chapter in Ghana as part of efforts to strengthen clinical nutrition advocacy across West Africa.
The Medical Director of FMC Asaba, Dr. Omo Ekeneam, welcomed the selection of the hospital as host venue for the conference, stating that preparations were underway to ensure a successful event.
He said the gathering would provide an opportunity to strengthen institutional approaches to nutrition care and improve awareness of the impact of malnutrition on patient outcomes.
Chairman of the conference, Pharm. Paul Osogbe Enebeli, emphasized that clinical nutrition should be regarded as an essential component of healthcare delivery rather than a supplementary service.
He noted that timely nutrition screening and early intervention could significantly reduce complications, shorten hospital stays, and improve recovery rates among patients.
Stakeholders at the briefing also called for increased government investment in hospital nutrition programmes, specialised nutrition products, and support systems to ensure that patients requiring advanced nutritional care receive appropriate treatment.
They stressed that addressing hospital malnutrition would not only improve patient outcomes but also reduce healthcare costs and strengthen health systems across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
The conference is expected to attract healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, development partners, and international experts, with organisers expressing optimism that discussions will generate practical recommendations for improving clinical nutrition services and patient care.
