Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwafunmilayo Funke Adeniyi, a Consultant Pediatric Gastroenterologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), stressed the critical importance of nutritional management in hospitalized patients, during the West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN) 2nd Annual Malnutrition Awareness Week webinar session on September 9, 2025.
Speaking on the topic "Guidelines and Policy for Nutritional Management of Hospitalized Patients," Dr. Adeniyi called for urgent action to address malnutrition—a condition that significantly impacts clinical outcomes.
Dr. Adeniyi began her address by emphasizing that "the provision of adequate nutrition remains an integral part of the management of hospitalized patients." She pointed out that it is essential for healthcare providers to deliver appropriate fluids and tailored food to meet the diverse nutritional needs of patients to achieve targeted health outcomes. “Malnutrition, on the other hand, can have adverse effects on the clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients,” she noted.
She underscored the hospital's responsibility to implement systems that identify patients at risk of malnutrition. “It is mandatory that all patients have access to nutrition and hydration appropriate to their needs,” Dr. Adeniyi stated, stressing that effective nutritional care should be a priority in every healthcare facility.
Providing a comparative perspective, she highlighted that in many Western countries, between 20% and 50% of hospitalized adults are frequently observed to be malnourished. In Nigeria, the prevalence of malnutrition is particularly alarming among children under the age of five, with a national prevalence reported at 32%.
Dr. Adeniyi further indicated that in adult populations, community studies show prevalence rates of up to 25%, while hospitalized patients in northern Nigeria experience even higher rates, ranging from 40% to 60%.
Despite these alarming statistics, Dr. Adeniyi pointed out a significant gap in data regarding nutritional deficiencies in hospitalized patients throughout Nigeria, particularly in the southwestern region. “The problem remains underestimated, poorly recognized, and undertreated,” she lamented. This lack of comprehensive data impedes the ability of healthcare systems to develop effective strategies to combat malnutrition.
Dr. Adeniyi also highlighted the financial implications of malnutrition, stating, “The costs associated with malnutrition are not solely borne by individuals; healthcare facilities, social services, and the nation as a whole suffer due to the increased need for resources and care.”
By implementing standard nutritional protocols and ensuring that all healthcare practitioners are trained in recognizing and addressing malnutrition, hospitals can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare expenditure.
She urged healthcare policymakers and practitioners to advocate for and implement robust nutritional policies that ensure all hospitalized patients receive appropriate nutrition and hydration tailored to their clinical needs. “Effective management of malnutrition must be a priority if we are to improve the overall quality of care within our healthcare systems,” she concluded.
As the Malnutrition Awareness Week continues, Dr. Adeniyi's insights contribute to a growing dialogue on the urgent need for standardized nutritional care in hospitals, positioning this issue at the forefront of public health discussions in Nigeria and beyond. The awareness campaign not only seeks to mobilize healthcare professionals but also encourages a nationwide commitment to elevating the standard of care for all patients.
