The West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN) has raised alarm over the growing burden of hospital malnutrition in Nigeria, describing it as a silent epidemic that undermines patient recovery and escalates healthcare costs. Speaking during a virtual press briefing to announce the 5th Annual WASPEN Clinical Nutrition Conference, scheduled from June 22 to 25, 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Asaba, Delta State, the Founder and President of the Society, Teresa Pounds, emphasized that malnutrition remains one of the most under-recognized threats to patient safety across the region.
Alarming Statistics on Malnutrition
According to Pounds, between 30 and 45 percent of patients admitted to tertiary hospitals are malnourished upon admission, with the figure rising significantly among elderly patients. She noted that inadequate nutrition screening and the absence of multidisciplinary nutrition teams in many hospitals continue to worsen patient outcomes.
Conference Theme and Focus Areas
The conference, themed “Sustainable Clinical Nutrition Services: Ensuring Access, Safety and Collaboration,” will focus on improving access to nutrition support, promoting evidence-based care, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Special attention will be given to neonatal and paediatric nutrition, with experts expected to discuss safe parenteral nutrition practices in resource-limited settings.
Pounds disclosed that more than 300 healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and international collaborators are expected to attend the conference. The event will feature scientific sessions, workshops, policy dialogues, and community outreach programmes.
Call to Action
She called on governments, healthcare institutions, development partners, and the media to support efforts aimed at strengthening nutrition care systems and improving outcomes for patients across West Africa. The society urges immediate action to address this silent epidemic and reduce its impact on patient health and healthcare costs.
