Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) is gearing up to host the much-anticipated WASPEN 2024 Clinical Nutrition Conference, according to Ojei S.O (FWAPCNM), the Local Organizing Committee Chair and the Deputy Director Nursing Services at LUTH. In a recent grand assessment visit by the CEO Africa team to the conference venue, Ojei expressed his confidence that LUTH is ready to host the conference on a top-notch level.
Ojei revealed that preparations for the conference which is scheduled for June 3rd to 7th, 2024. With the theme "Advancing Clinical Nutrition Care: Regional Guidelines and Standards for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition," are currently in top gear and estimated to be 95% complete. He assured that the delegates and facilitators of the conference will enjoy uninterrupted 24-hour electricity supply, adding that the management board of LUTH under the leadership of the Chief Medical Director, Professor Adeyemo Lanre Wasiu (FAS) is equally enthusiastic and prepared to support the success of the conference.
To ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for all participants, LUTH has left no stone unturned in making adequate arrangements. The venue will boast of standard accommodation for all delegates and facilitators, standby water, and electricity supply, as well as a fully equipped conference room with a state-of-the-art Air Conditioners , among other amenities.
In an update shared with CEO Africa, the health walk originally scheduled for 5 pm on Tuesday, June 4th, has been rescheduled to 8 am on the same day. This change aims to maximize the participation of conference attendees and promote a healthier start before the commencement of the two-day scientific conference, which will start daily at 8:00 am from June 5th and 6th and the 7th of June to wrap things up for departure.
The International conference is expected to be attended by a diverse range of professionals in the field, including dietitians, medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, government bodies, nutrition enthusiasts, researchers, as well as students from all over the world . The registration fee for regular attendees is set at ₦30,000, with an early bird discount available for those who register before May 17th, bringing the fee down to ₦25,000. Researchers and Post-graduate Students fee are #20,000 and undergraduates can register for a flat fee of ₦10,000. With LUTH's commitment to hosting the conference at a top-notch level, delegates can expect a seamless and enriching experience throughout the event.
LUTH under the intelligent leadership of Professor Adeyemo Lanre was recently selected for the maiden edition of the Amity Awards, recognizing the hospital management’s tremendous efforts and proactive steps in partnering with corporate Nigeria and other significant strides in the healthcare industry. Luth has also contributed to the country’s power capacity by adding at least 3.48 megawatts through its independent power project. This initiative provides uninterrupted power supply to the hospital and the College of Medicine, University of Lagos.
Furthermore, LUTH’s surgical skills training center has been recognized as the biggest and and one of the best in Africa, while the hospital recently achieved the distinction of being the first in Africa to receive the BSAC Global Antimicrobial Stewardship Accreditation Scheme.
WASPEN, which was founded in 2019 by Dr. Teresa Isichei Pounds, is a focused organization committed to improving clinical nutritional care in West Africa through clinical education, research, and interdisciplinary medical collaboration. The organization aims to raise awareness of issues surrounding nutrition and address the support needed for patients in hospitals.
Dr. Teresa Isichei Pounds, Pharm BCNSP, the visionary leader behind WASPEN, brings a wealth of experience to the field of clinical nutrition. She has worked as the PGY1 Pharmacy Resident Program Director at WellStar Atlanta Medical Center, Manager of Pharmacy Clinical Services at the same institution, and Assistant Dean for Clinical Pharmacy at South University, College of Pharmacy Savannah campus. In addition to being the founder of WASPEN, Dr. Pounds is a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy (FNAPHARM), Chairperson of the Nigerian Pharmacist and Pharmaceutical Scientists Association (NAPPSA), and a member of American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN).
The milestone achievements of LUTH, couple with its ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services and infrastructure, have positioned the institution as a center of excellence in the healthcare industry. The selection of LUTH as the host for the WASPEN 2024 conference further underscores its commitment to advancing healthcare practices and fostering collaboration among professionals in the field.
As the countdown to the conference continues, the entire local organizing committee, under the leadership of Ojei S.O. (FWAPCNM), is dedicated to ensuring all aspects of the event are meticulously planned and executed. With LUTH's strong support and readiness, the conference is set to be an outstanding success in 2024.