Dr. Teresa Isichei Pounds, President and Founder of the West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN), passionately declared that "nutrition is a human right, not a privilege" during a press conference on Monday, September 8, 2025.
This event marked the kickoff of the 2nd Annual Malnutrition Awareness Week, under the powerful theme "United Against Malnutrition," which is championed by the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) and its International Clinical Nutrition Section.
“This theme reminds us that malnutrition is not a challenge for one nation, one organization or one hospital—it is a shared responsibility requiring collective action,” Dr. Pounds emphasized. Today, she shone a light on the particularly urgent and often overlooked issue of hospital malnutrition, a silent epidemic undermining recovery, escalating healthcare costs, and increasing mortality rates.
Globally, it is estimated that between 20% and 50% of hospitalized patients suffer from malnutrition. In Nigeria, although comprehensive national data is limited, emerging studies from tertiary hospitals show inpatient malnutrition rates ranging from 30% to 45%, particularly among surgical, pediatric, and oncology patients.
Alarmingly, a study from Nasarawa State indicated that 41.2% of under-five children were malnourished, with 15.8% experiencing moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and 25.5% suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). In Borno State, the prevalence of SAM among admitted children was found to be 4.0%.
Moreover, among hospitalized elderly patients in Enugu, 71.3% were malnourished, 22.1% were at risk, and only 6.6% were well-nourished. Without adequate nutrition care, these patients face delayed wound healing, increased susceptibility to infections, prolonged hospital stays, and avoidable re-admissions.
“Yet, this condition remains under-prioritized in health agendas,” Dr. Pounds stated. Alongside the critical issue of hospital malnutrition, she addressed the alarming rates of community malnutrition in Nigeria, where over 30% of children are stunted and approximately 7% are wasted. “These stark statistics illustrate deep-rooted challenges; they also highlight the necessity for a holistic approach. Malnutrition in the community and malnutrition in hospitals are two sides of the same coin. Progress in one area without addressing the other leaves the circle incomplete.”
In response, WASPEN is working with leading Nigerian institutions to gather updated national data on hospital malnutrition prevalence. “This evidence will guide us as we advocate for hospital nutrition to become part of structured national strategies,” Dr. Pounds explained.
WASPEN’s efforts align with the international campaign that asserts, “Nutrition is a Human Right.” "Nutrition is not a priviledge for the few; it is the foundation of health, dignity, and recovery for all," she emphasized. By participating in Malnutrition Awareness Week, Nigeria and West African countries lend their voices to a growing global movement to realize this right.
This marks only the second Malnutrition Awareness Week in Nigeria. Last year, seven institutions across the six geopolitical zones participated, creating a national impact through clinical engagement and media outreach. This year, momentum is building, with 17 institutions officially on board, and for the first time, Cameroon and Ghana join the initiative, demonstrating a strengthened regional commitment.
Dr. Pounds also highlighted the participation of esteemed international colleagues from ASPEN: Dr. Phil Ayers, Past President and current Board Member, and Dr. Albert Barrocas, also a Board Member. Their presence underscores the strength of WASPEN's partnership with ASPEN and affirms West Africa's growing role in global nutrition care discussions.
“Through the activities we set out to do at this awareness week, our aim is clear: to raise awareness of hospital malnutrition, build the capacity of health professionals, and generate new evidence for the national adoption of clinical nutrition strategies that can transform patient outcomes,” Dr. Pounds stated.
In closing her address, she commended the President of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health, and all nutrition-focused organizations for their tireless efforts in addressing community malnutrition. “These achievements deserve recognition and support. Yet, we must also accept that malnutrition is a holistic challenge. Patients recovering from surgery, battling cancer, older adults, and fragile children all depend on proper nutrition care. Without it, recovery stalls and lives are placed at risk.”
Dr. Pounds expressed pride that Mrs. Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, Director of Nutrition at the Federal Ministry of Health, will serve as a speaker during the webinars—demonstrating Government's commitment and partnership. She called upon national leaders to prioritize hospital nutrition within Nigeria's healthcare strategies and urged professional societies and institutions across West Africa to collaborate in bridging this gap in nutrition care.
“Together, let us unite against malnutrition—both in our communities and hospitals. Together, let us affirm that nutrition is a human right.”
The awareness week promises to be a powerful platform for raising consciousness about malnutrition and mobilizing efforts toward effective solutions.
