The Delta State Government has officially endorsed the 2026 Clinical Nutrition Conference of the West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN), signaling a major commitment to advancing clinical nutrition and combating malnutrition across healthcare institutions and communities in Nigeria.

The endorsement followed a high-level courtesy visit to the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojeme, by a joint delegation from the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, and WASPEN. The strategic engagement was aimed at reinforcing collaboration with the Ministry of Health, aligning key stakeholders on preparations for the conference, securing formal government backing, and establishing FMC Asaba as the principal host institution for the landmark national event.

The delegation was led by the Medical Director and Chief Executive of FMC Asaba, Omo Ekeneam, alongside the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Ekedegwa Daniel Apeh, and other members of the planning committee.

Receiving the delegation, Dr. Onojeme was joined by senior officials of the Ministry, including the Director of Research and Statistics and Acting Permanent Secretary, Uche Okwe.

Expressing the government's full support for the conference and its objectives, the Commissioner described investment in clinical nutrition as one of the most impactful investments any society can make in human life.

“Investing in clinical nutrition is the best way to invest in a human life anywhere in the world,” he stated.

He further emphasized the need for collective action to address malnutrition and improve healthcare outcomes nationwide.

“As we prepare for the WASPEN Clinical Nutrition Conference 2026, we must recommit ourselves to protecting public health, reducing preventable deaths, and building a healthier, malnutrition-free Nigeria,” he said.

While pledging government support, the Commissioner underscored the importance of accountability, transparency, and effective coordination among all partners involved in the initiative. He called for clear operational guidelines, defined expectations, and timely implementation to ensure the programme delivers measurable results.

As part of the resolutions reached during the meeting, plans were outlined for the appointment of a dedicated Ministry focal person to coordinate administrative activities and facilitate broader participation by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across Delta State.

The endorsement represents a significant boost to efforts aimed at tackling the growing burden of malnutrition, particularly within healthcare facilities where inadequate nutritional care continues to affect patient recovery and outcomes.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dr. Ekeneam highlighted the humanitarian significance of the partnership, stressing that healthcare interventions must go beyond saving lives to ensuring long-term patient wellbeing.

“Saving a life may be a miracle, but it is only the beginning. To create a future filled with hope and promise, we must continue to support patients every step of the way, helping them recover, thrive, and live healthier lives,” he said.

He noted that the partnership between WASPEN and the Delta State Government would help strengthen clinical nutrition systems, improve structured hospital nutrition care, and enhance patient outcomes across the region.

According to the organisers, the conference will be hosted in Asaba by FMC Asaba and will serve as one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for advancing knowledge, policy, and best practices in clinical nutrition.

The Ministry’s endorsement is expected to facilitate increased participation by healthcare institutions and government agencies, deepen local ownership of the initiative, and elevate Delta State’s profile as a leader in healthcare quality improvement and nutrition-focused interventions.

The approval also builds on earlier engagements between WASPEN and the Delta State Government through the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, which led to the submission of a formal proposal and budget for the conference.

In recognition of the Ministry’s support, Dr. Onojeme has been invited to serve as a Guest Speaker during the conference, where he is expected to present a paper titled, *“Strengthening Hospital Nutrition Care: A Vision for Healthcare Quality Improvement in Delta State and Nigeria.”*

It was further disclosed that while the Asaba Specialist Hospital was initially considered as a potential co-host institution, administrative constraints delayed its participation, leading to FMC Asaba assuming the role of principal host institution.

WASPEN remains one of the leading multidisciplinary professional bodies dedicated to advancing clinical nutrition practice across Nigeria and West Africa. The organization brings together physicians, pharmacists, nurses, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals to promote evidence-based nutrition care, capacity building, institutional collaboration, and standardized nutrition support systems within hospitals.

The society is led by its President, Teresa Isichei Pounds, alongside a distinguished executive team that includes Treasurer Iyeseun O. Asieba, Secretary Azuka C. Oparah, Assistant Secretary Ejiro E. Akpovwovwo, and Financial Secretary Segun A. Ajayi.

Strategic guidance is provided by an accomplished Board of Directors comprising respected healthcare professionals, including Leo Egbujiobi, Noel Wannang, Mohammed M. Zango, and Ojei C. Sarat.

The successful engagement reflects a shared determination by WASPEN, FMC Asaba, and the Delta State Ministry of Health to strengthen clinical nutrition systems and improve patient outcomes through sustainable healthcare reforms.

As preparations intensify for the 2026 conference, stakeholders have reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging the event as a catalyst for reducing malnutrition, improving healthcare quality, and advancing a healthier future for all Nigerians.

Dr. Onojeme concluded by urging healthcare professionals, policymakers, institutions, and development partners to unite in the fight against clinical malnutrition and work collectively toward achieving a Nigeria free from preventable nutrition-related health challenges.