Asagba Of Asaba Backs WASPEN’s Campaign Against Hospital Malnutrition
Traditional institutions, healthcare professionals and nutrition experts are intensifying calls for improved nutritional care in hospitals as concerns grow over the impact of malnutrition on patient recovery and healthcare outcomes across Nigeria and West Africa.
Monarch Endorses Push for Better Clinical Nutrition
THE Asagba of Asaba, Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, has thrown his weight behind efforts to improve nutritional care in hospitals, describing malnutrition as one of the most under-recognised challenges confronting healthcare systems across Nigeria and the West African region.
The monarch made the remarks while receiving a delegation led by Theresa Nkiru Isichei and members of the planning committee for the maiden conference of the West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, scheduled to hold in Asaba.
According to the royal father, adequate nutrition remains a vital component of healthcare delivery and should receive greater attention from governments, medical practitioners and policymakers.
He noted that while advances in medicine and technology continue to shape modern healthcare, nutritional support remains fundamental to patient recovery, treatment effectiveness and overall well-being.
Hospital Malnutrition Remains a Silent Health Challenge
Health experts have repeatedly warned that malnutrition among hospital patients remains a significant but often overlooked public health issue.
Studies conducted in various countries have shown that poor nutritional status can prolong hospital stays, increase the risk of complications, delay recovery and raise healthcare costs for both patients and healthcare institutions.
The Asagba observed that many patients enter hospitals with existing nutritional deficiencies, while others develop complications arising from inadequate nutritional support during treatment.
He stressed that addressing the problem requires a comprehensive approach involving healthcare providers, nutrition specialists and government agencies responsible for health policy formulation.
“Nutrition is fundamental to health and healing,” the monarch stated, emphasizing that improved clinical nutrition practices could significantly enhance treatment outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
WASPEN Seeks to Drive Policy and Professional Action
Speaking during the visit, WASPEN President Dr. Isichei said the forthcoming conference would serve as a platform for advancing discussions on hospital malnutrition and strengthening nutrition-focused healthcare policies.
She explained that the organisation has continued to advocate for the integration of nutritional care into routine medical practice across hospitals in Nigeria and other West African countries.
According to her, malnutrition remains widespread across the region despite increasing awareness of its consequences.
She noted that many healthcare facilities still face challenges relating to nutritional screening, assessment and intervention, making it necessary to strengthen institutional capacity and professional training.
The conference, she said, aims to encourage evidence-based approaches that place nutrition at the centre of patient management and healthcare planning.
Asaba Set to Host Key Health Stakeholders
The maiden conference is expected to attract healthcare professionals, nutrition experts, researchers, policymakers and development partners from across Nigeria and beyond.
Participants are expected to examine emerging research, share best practices and explore practical solutions to improving nutritional care systems.
Organisers believe the gathering will help generate actionable recommendations capable of influencing healthcare policies and strengthening patient care standards.
Observers say the conference comes at a time when healthcare systems globally are paying increasing attention to the role of nutrition in disease prevention, recovery and long-term health outcomes.
Building a Stronger Healthcare Future
Beyond addressing immediate hospital challenges, stakeholders view improved nutritional care as a critical investment in public health.
Experts argue that integrating nutrition into healthcare delivery can reduce treatment costs, improve patient outcomes and support broader national health objectives.
The Asagba expressed optimism that the conference would stimulate meaningful dialogue and encourage collaborative action among governments, healthcare institutions and development partners.
As discussions on healthcare reform continue across Nigeria, advocates believe nutritional care must become an essential pillar of efforts aimed at delivering more effective, patient-centred healthcare services.
