The West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, is set to hold its 2nd Annual Malnutrition Awareness Week from September 8 to 12, 2025, under the theme "United Against Malnutrition." This initiative aims to raise awareness about malnutrition and its impact in Nigeria and beyond.

Event Schedule:

· Day 1: September 8

10am WAT: Press Conference to launch the campaign and discuss objectives under the theme "United Against Malnutrition."

· Day 2: September 9

2pm WAT / 8am CST: Webinar Session 1 titled "Optimizing Patient Care Through Standardized Clinical Nutrition Protocols."

- Key Objectives:

1. Identify Nigeria's current gaps and associated risks due to the absence of standardized nutrition protocols.
2. Discuss why standardization in clinical nutrition matters and its impact on effective nutrition care.
3. Provide an international perspective while reviewing WASPEN's initiatives aimed at closing these gaps through the utilization of global blueprints.

Distinguished speakers for this session include Dr. Teresa Isichei Pounds, Founder and President of WASPEN, who will set the tone for discussions. The special guest of honor will be Tajudeen Olutope Ahmed, Esq., National President of the Institute of Dietetics in Nigeria. Other notable speakers include Phil Ayers, Chief of Clinical Pharmacy Services at the Department of Pharmacy, Mississippi Baptist Medical Center; Dr. Funmilayo Funke Adeniyi, Consultant Pediatric Gastroenterologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); and Dr. Charles Chidi Ulonnam, Pediatrician at the National Hospital Abuja. The session will be moderated by Dr. Ejiro Akpovwovwo, Consultant Clinical Pharmacist and Business Analytics Specialist.

· Day 3: September 10

Activities focusing on institutional engagement such as:

1. Nutrition awareness campaigns
2. Seminars on "Optimizing Patient Care Through Standardized Clinical Nutrition Protocols"
3. Screenings
4. Social media campaigns aimed at raising public awareness

· Day 4: September 11

2pm WAT / 8am CST: Webinar Session 2 titled "United Against Malnutrition: Integrating Clinical Nutrition Care into Healthcare Systems."

- Key Objectives:

1. Highlighting successful models from international organizations on integrating clinical nutrition into mainstream healthcare.
2. Examining Nigeria's current progress and challenges in this area and discussing how WASPEN can drive system-level changes.
3. Defining clear, actionable steps to institutionalize nutrition care across primary, secondary, and tertiary health services in Nigeria.

The distinguished lineup for this session includes Dr. Teresa Isichei Pounds once again, with Salisu Maiwada Abubakar, Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry, serving as the special guest of honor. Additional speakers include Dr. Albert Barrocas from the Department of Surgery, Tulane University of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Prof. Audu Bala, President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA); and Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, Director of Nutrition at the Federal Ministry of Health. Prof. Azuka Oparah, Secretary of the WASPEN Board of Trustees, will serve as the moderator for this session.

· Day 5: September 12

Continuation of institution-specific activities:

1. Nutrition awareness campaigns
2. Additional seminars focused on "Optimizing Patient Care Through Standardized Clinical Nutrition Protocols"
3. Screenings
4. Social media campaigns to further promote public awareness about malnutrition

The entire awareness week will provide a platform for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to collaborate on strategies to combat malnutrition effectively.

Dr. Teresa Isichei Pounds emphasized the significance of this awareness week, stating, “Our mission is to confront malnutrition directly by creating a collaborative environment centered on effective clinical nutrition protocols. Let's unite as healthcare professionals to make a meaningful impact on the health of our communities.”

All sessions will be accessible online via Zoom, with the Meeting ID: 893 6989 3860 and Password: WEEK.

This week holds the promise of raising awareness and fostering constructive dialogues for impactful change in the healthcare landscape regarding malnutrition.

Join us! #ASPENMAW25 #WASPENMAW25