With just seven days to go, the West African Society of Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN), in partnership with the National Hospital Abuja (NHA), is set to host one of the most significant events in clinical nutrition across the region. The WASPEN 2025 Clinical Nutrition Conference, taking place from June 17th to 19th at the Trauma Center of the National Hospital Abuja, will serve as a powerful platform for experts to tackle malnutrition and revolutionize patient care.

Anticipation has reached fever pitch, as healthcare professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders prepare to engage in discussions, workshops, and networking sessions aimed at bridging the gap between hospital and community malnutrition care. This groundbreaking event carries the theme "Bridging the Gap: Integrating Hospital and Community Malnutrition Care in Developing Countries."

Attendees will be welcomed by distinguished figures, including the Special Guest of Honor, Muhammad Ali Pate, the Minister of Health, Chief Host Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Host Prof. Muhammad Raji Mahmud, the CMD of National Hospital Abuja.

An impressive roster of keynote speakers will enrich the conference, featuring: Dr. (Prof.) Bala Audu, President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA); Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Office of the Mandate Secretary for the FCT Health and Environment Secretariat; Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola, former Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University and Tajudeen Olutope Ahmed Esq., National President of the Institute of Dietetics in Nigeria

Prof. Cyril Usifoh, the Immediate Past President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), will chair the conference. The organizing committee will be led by Pharm. Nanret Blessing Basil Ghinsel as the CPC Chairperson and Pharm. Clara Adesola as the LOC Chairperson.

Esteemed guests of honor also include Pharm. Ibrahim Tanko Ayuba, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Professor Salisu Maiwada Abubakar, President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), and Comr. Haruna Mamman, President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives.

In a release sent to CEOAFRICA, participants will arrive on June 17th, with a special on-site health walk scheduled for June 18th, led by the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu. This activity aims to promote physical wellness and set a positive tone for the conference. CEOAFRICA, the official media partner of the event, has commenced assessments of the venue and preparations for comprehensive media coverage to ensure that the WASPEN 2025 conference marks a historic occasion.

In a press conference held in preparation for the conference, Dr. Pounds emphasized the critical need to tackle malnutrition within hospitals: "The main issue we aim to address is the urgent necessity of confronting malnutrition in hospitals. This is a silent crisis—like a skeleton in the hospital closet—that must be brought to light." She highlighted that patients suffering from malnutrition experience longer hospital stays and are at a heightened risk for complications, underscoring the need for comprehensive data to assess the extent of malnutrition in healthcare settings. Reflecting on the conference theme, Dr. Pounds added, "We aim to demonstrate the significant gap between hospital and community malnutrition."

This landmark event promises to be a pivotal step in strengthening healthcare systems and improving nutritional outcomes across the region. As we count down the days to the conference, participants and the public are encouraged to stay tuned for updates through all media channels of CEOAFRICA!