Malnutrition Hindering Patient Recovery in Nigeria - WASPEN

WASPEN declares malnutrition as major obstacle to patient recovery in Nigeria, affecting 30-45% of patients in tertiary hospitals. Dr. Teresa Pounds, WASPEN President, described it as a 'silent epidemic' during a virtual press conference on Monday heralding the organization's 5th annual conference.

Malnutrition impacts patients across all life stages, from premature newborns to adults with chronic diseases including HIV, tuberculosis, cancer, and surgical conditions. The evidence shows hospital malnutrition leads to longer hospital stays, increased infections, delayed wound healing, higher treatment costs, and increased readmission and mortality rates in Nigeria.

Despite the country's significant human and material resources, malnutrition remains an unrecognized threat to patient safety and recovery. WASPEN called on governments at all levels to address this healthcare challenge, noting that malnutrition has already increased readmission and mortality rates nationwide. Healthcare providers should prioritize nutritional screening as part of patient assessment, while patients should discuss nutritional status with their medical teams to ensure optimal recovery outcomes.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/01/malnutrition-hindering-patient-recovery-in-nigeria-waspen/