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 briefing to announce the 5th Annual WASPEN Clinical Nutrition Conference, scheduled to be held 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.