The West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN) has announced plans for its 5th Annual Clinical Nutrition Conference, scheduled to hold from June 22 to 25, 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Delta State.
Speaking at a press conference in Asaba Delta State, WASPEN Founder and President, Dr. Teresa Pounce, highlighted the growing burden of malnutrition in healthcare facilities across Nigeria and West Africa, describing it as one of the most under-recognized threats to patient safety and recovery.
According to her, hospital malnutrition contributes to prolonged hospital stays, increased infections, delayed wound healing, higher healthcare costs, and elevated rates of readmission and mortality.
“Hospital malnutrition is a silent epidemic in Nigeria,” she said, citing studies indicating that between 30 and 45 percent of patients admitted to tertiary hospitals are malnourished on admission, with the figure rising significantly among elderly patients. She noted that inadequate screening and the absence of multidisciplinary nutrition teams remain major challenges in healthcare institutions.
She said, founded in 2019, WASPEN was established to advance clinical nutrition care across West Africa through education, advocacy, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The organisation promotes nutrition as a fundamental component of healthcare and a basic human right.
Noting that, over the past five years, the society has recorded several achievements, including the successful hosting of four annual clinical nutrition conferences and the establishment of multidisciplinary Nutrition Support Steering Committees in major healthcare institutions such as Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, National Hospital Abuja, Army Command and NAOWA Hospital Abuja, and Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital.
WASPEN has also spearheaded regional advocacy campaigns through Malnutrition Awareness Week in partnership with the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), while strengthening collaborations with national and international stakeholders in healthcare and nutrition.
Dr. Pounce described the 2026 conference as a significant milestone, marking five years of sustained advocacy, professional training, partnerships, and efforts to integrate clinical nutrition into mainstream healthcare delivery.
The conference will be held under the theme, “Sustainable Clinical Nutrition Services: Ensuring Access, Safety, and Collaboration.”
According to the organisers, the theme reflects the need to expand access to nutrition support services, promote evidence-based and safe nutrition practices, and strengthen collaboration among healthcare professionals, institutions, government agencies, researchers, and development partners.
A major focus of this year’s conference will be neonatal and pediatric nutrition care. Participants will explore innovative approaches to nutrition support for newborns and children, particularly in resource-limited settings.
The event will feature international faculty members, scientific presentations, policy discussions, community outreach programmes, networking sessions, and practical workshops. A specialised expert roundtable on safe parenteral nutrition for neonates is also expected to provide solutions to challenges faced in neonatal care.
Organisers expect more than 300 participants from Nigeria and other countries, including healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and international collaborators.
Expected outcomes of the conference include increased awareness of the role of clinical nutrition in patient recovery, stronger nutrition support systems within healthcare institutions, improved nutrition care for neonatal and pediatric populations, enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, and the development of evidence-based recommendations to guide policy and clinical practice.
Dr. Pounce expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for supporting healthcare initiatives in the state. She also thanked the management of Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, led by Dr. Omo Ekeneam, for hosting the conference.
She further acknowledged the support of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, professional associations, institutional partners, sponsors, and international collaborators. Special recognition was given to the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, for his contributions to community development and healthcare advancement.
Calling for broader collaboration, Dr. Pounce urged governments, healthcare leaders, professional bodies, development organisations, industry stakeholders, and the media to support efforts aimed at strengthening nutrition care systems and improving patient outcomes across the region.
She also invited healthcare professionals, researchers, students, policymakers, and industry leaders to participate in the conference, describing it as an important platform for advancing clinical nutrition practice in West Africa.
The 5th Annual WASPEN Clinical Nutrition Conference is expected to serve as a key forum for addressing malnutrition challenges and promoting sustainable nutrition care solutions across the region.