The West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN) has raised concerns over the growing burden of hospital malnutrition in Nigeria, describing it as a silent epidemic that continues to undermine patient recovery and increase healthcare costs.

Speaking at a virtual press conference to announce the 5th Annual WASPEN Clinical Nutrition Conference, scheduled to hold from June 22 to 25, 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Delta State, the Founder and President of the Society, Teresa Pounds said malnutrition remains one of the most under-recognised threats to patient safety across the region.

According to her, between 30 and 45 per cent of patients admitted to tertiary hospitals are malnourished on admission, while the figure rises 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.

The conference with the theme, “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, which will feature scientific sessions, workshops, policy dialogues and community outreach programmes.

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 Chairman, WASPEN Clinical Nutrition Conference, Paul Enebeli stressed the need for stronger nutrition-focused healthcare interventions to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of malnutrition across Nigeria and West Africa.

Enebeli said malnutrition remains a major but often overlooked challenge within healthcare systems.

According to him, poor nutritional status contributes significantly to prolonged hospital stays, increased complications, delayed recovery and higher healthcare costs for patients and families.

He noted that many of these adverse outcomes could be prevented through timely nutrition screening, early intervention and coordinated multidisciplinary care.

“Clinical nutrition must be treated as an essential clinical service and not merely a support function. Proper nutrition care improves treatment outcomes and enhances patient recovery,” he said.

Enebeli explained that the conference has evolved into a leading platform for advancing clinical nutrition practice in the region, bringing together clinicians, policymakers, researchers and international experts to develop sustainable solutions.

He highlighted the role of multidisciplinary teamwork involving physicians, pharmacists, nurses, dietitians, researchers and policymakers in strengthening nutrition care delivery.

According to him, WASPEN has facilitated the establishment of nutrition support steering committees in several healthcare institutions across Nigeria, helping to improve nutrition screening, promote early intervention and strengthen clinical decision-making.

Enebeli also noted that the organisation continues to collaborate with national and international stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and global nutrition bodies, to enhance capacity building and professional standards.

He added that the conference is expected to strengthen nutrition support teams, promote research and innovation, improve standardised nutrition assessment practices and support policy discussions aimed at integrating nutrition services into healthcare systems.

The Chief Medical Director of FMC, Asaba, Dr. Ekeneam Omo  expressed the hospital’s readiness to host the 2026 WASPEN Clinical Nutrition Conference.

Omo thanked WASPEN for selecting FMC Asaba as the host institution, describing the opportunity as significant for advancing clinical nutrition practice in the facility.

He noted that while specialists had previously managed malnutrition cases within their departments, the conference would help promote a hospital-wide approach to nutrition care. According to him, the centre is putting the necessary facilities in place and is engaging the Delta State Government to ensure the successful hosting of the event.