The West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN) officially kicks off its highly anticipated pre-conference today, June 16, 2025, at the Trauma Center of the National Hospital in Abuja. This pre-conference, titled "Enteral Nutrition Support: A Practical Guide for Physicians, Dietitians, Nurses, and Pharmacists," serves as a precursor to the main conference, which begins tomorrow, June 17, 2025.
In partnership with Nutro Industrial, Brazil, and Fidson Healthcare Plc, this event focuses on the vital theme: "Bridging the Gap: Integrating Hospital and Community Malnutrition Care in Developing Countries." As healthcare professionals gather for this unique educational experience, they will have the opportunity to explore essential topics related to enteral nutrition, providing them with crucial insights for enhancing patient care.
Participants can look forward to interactive discussions that demonstrate the collaborative roles of various healthcare disciplines in effective nutritional support. They will learn to identify and manage common adverse effects associated with enteral nutrition and master best practices for feeding tube placement and management.
A standout feature of the pre-conference is the impressive lineup of esteemed speakers, including Prof. (Dr.) Paulo Vasconcelos, a leading expert in clinical nutrition, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe from the Ministry of Health and Environmental Services (FCT), Dr. Teresa Isichei Pounds, founder and president of WASPEN, and other notable experts in the field.
In a statement, Dr. Pounds emphasized the critical need for addressing malnutrition within healthcare settings, stating, "The urgency of tackling malnutrition in hospitals cannot be overstated. This silent crisis requires immediate attention, as it often leads to prolonged hospital stays and higher risks of complications for patients. We aim to bridge the significant gap between hospital and community malnutrition, fostering collaboration that improves outcomes.”
The pre-conference is supported by leading industry partners, including Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd, National Hospital Abuja (NHA), Clinipharm Global Health Ltd., and the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare. Their commitment to elevating healthcare standards in the region has made this event possible.
As the day unfolds, participants are encouraged to immerse themselves in enriching discussions, hands-on learning experiences, and opportunities to network with peers committed to advancing nutritional care.
With the main conference set to begin tomorrow, anticipation is high for the comprehensive discussions and strategies that will emerge from this important gathering. Stay tuned for updates on the WASPEN 2025 Clinical Nutrition Conference as it unfolds!
