WASPEN Rallies Stakeholders to Address Gaps in Medical Nutrition

Esther Oluku

As part of efforts towards strengthening awareness and actions on medical malnutrition, The West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN), is set to convene a Clinical Nutrition Conference to address existing gaps in the sector.

Themed “Bridging the Gap: Integrating Hospital and Community Malnutrition Care in Developing Countries,” the conference will be a meeting point for policy makers, medical professionals, nutritionists, pharmacists and other key players in the healthcare industry.

Speaking at a virtual press conference, WASPEN President and medical doctor, Mrs. Theresa Pound, explained that medical nutrition occupies an important aspect of recovery for patients in critical, emergency or post operation care contributing significantly to patient recovery and wellness.

She stated that medical nutrition gaps at community health centers and hospitals presents a contributing factor to prolonged hospitals stays of patients and slow recuperation emphasizing an urgent need for sensitisation to close gaps, improve health outcomes and prop national healthcare system for more proactive health responses.

This year’s Clinical Nutrition Conference organized by WASPEN with the support of National Hospital Abuja, will address knowledge gaps through training from a distinguished Brazilian and Lead, Nutro Industrial Brazil, Prof. Paulo Vasconcelos and Dr. Akhigbe Evelyn covering topics such as; indications, contraindications, and complications of enteral feeding, multidisciplinary roles in nutrition support, managing adverse effects and patient transitions to home enteral nutrition and safe feeding tube placement and management.

Pound said: “We are committed to ensuring that specialized clinical nutrition interventions are not only recognized but implemented as a fundamental part of healthcare practice in Nigeria and across Africa. Patients with chronic illnesses, surgical conditions, and those in critical care are particularly vulnerable to inadequate nutritional support, which often exacerbates their health conditions.

“This year’s conference builds on the momentum of WASPEN’s successful Malnutrition Awareness Week, held in collaboration with the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) with the aim of moving beyond discussions to concrete policy actions and advocacy initiatives.”

Among dignitaries to attend the occasion are Prof. Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health as Special Guest of Honour; Prof. Muhammad Raji Mahmud, Chief Medical Director, National Hospital Abuja (Host); Prof. Audu Bala, President, Nigerian Medical Association (Keynote Address); Prof. Cyril Usifoh, Former President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (Chairman); and Prof. Chinedum Babalola, Former Vice-Chancellor, Chrisland University (Special Guest Speaker)

Other expected guests are, Mr. Tajudeen Olutope Ahmed, National President, Institute of Dietetics in Nigeria (Keynote Speaker); Pharm. Ibrahim Tanko Ayuba, President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (Guest of Honour); Prof. Salisu Maiwada Abubakar, President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria (Guest of Honour); and Mr. Haruna Mamman, President, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (Guest of Honour) amongst others.

According to Pound, the WASPEN Clinical Nutrition Conference is scheduled to hold from June 17 to June 19, 2025.