Clinical malnutrition a time bomb in Nigeria – WASPEN 

The West African Society of Parental and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN) has described hospital and clinical malnutrition as a time bomb affecting the health sector in Nigeria, adding that there is very little awareness on the issue. 

President of WASPEN, Dr. Teresa Pounds, stated this while briefing newsmen via zoom monitored by our reporter in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, on Monday. 

Dr. Pounds highlighted lack of resources and awareness as some of the major causes of clinical malnutrition in the country, adding that there is urgent need to address it. 

She stresses that medical institutions must initiate a clinical nutrition framework, set up committee including various stakeholders in the health sector to curb the silent menace in managing health issues in the country. 

“The urgency of addressing malnutrition remains a major yet overlooked challenge in both acute hospital settings and community healthcare. 

“Many patients, particularly those with chronic illnesses, surgical conditions, and critical care needs, suffer from inadequate nutritional support, leading to longer hospital stays, increased complications, and higher mortality rates. 

“As a professional society, WASPEN is committed to ensuring that specialized clinical nutrition interventions are not only recognized but also implemented as a fundamental part of healthcare practice in Nigeria and across West Africa,” she said.

Chief Medical Director, National Hospital, Abuja, Prof. Muhammad Raji Mahmud, represented by the LOC chairperson, Pharm. Clara Adesola in his remarks, lauded the initiative, adding that the collaboration with WASPEN would ensure further ‘top to bottom’ scrutiny of issues around nutrition in the health sector. 

The West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN) will hold its clinical nutrition conference from June 17 to June 19, 2025, at the National Hospital, Abuja.