The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge (SAN), has said that malnutrition among hospitalized patients in the country requires urgent national attention.
Prof Azinge stated this while receiving the Founder and President of WASPEN, Dr. Teresa Isichei Pounds, in his palace during a courtesy visit.
He commended WASPEN’s for focusing on hospital nutrition support, saying it is a timely and vital intervention in addressing malnutrition among hospitalized patients.
“It is good to know that our Asaba people are excelling globally and giving back to their communities in impactful ways,” he said.
The Asagba added, ” Hospital malnutrition is a silent challenge, and I commend Dr. Isichei and WASPEN for leading this important cause.”
“I call on the government, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders to support this initiative so that hospital malnutrition can become a thing of the past.”
Prof Azinge hailed the West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN) for its sustained efforts toward tackling hospital malnutrition and promoting nutrition awareness across Nigeria.
He assured the WASPEN team of his palace’s support in ensuring the success of the 2026 Clinical Nutrition Conference, noting that such efforts contribute to community development and improved healthcare delivery.
“Asaba sons and daughters in the diaspora are critical stakeholders in the growth of our kingdom,” he added. “Your work shows that through unity and purpose, our people can bring global excellence home.”
A renowned expert in the nutrition support of malnourished patients based in Atlanta, Dr. Isichei, in her remarks expressed her gratitude to the monarch for his blessings and encouragement.
Dr Isichel stressed that she has held several medical and nutrition conferences in Abuja and Lagos but felt it was time to bring such impact home to Asaba.
“I have been visiting Nigeria over the years and was among those who influenced the Bachelor of Science to Pharm.D transition.We are bringing this conference to Asaba to create awareness, train healthcare providers, and promote hospital nutrition support that can save lives.”
The expert then urged the Asagba to help attract government and institutional support for the program, stressing that the forthcoming conference will provide a platform for medical experts, policymakers, and nutritionists to discuss practical interventions against hospital malnutrition.
During the courtesy visit, Dr. Isichei, was accompanied by other team members including Mr. Nnamdi Isichei, briefed the monarch on preparations for the forthcoming 2026 Clinical Nutrition Conference, scheduled to hold from June 23 to 26, at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba.
