In a compelling presentation at the WASPEN 2025 Conference held on June 17, 2025, at the Trauma Center of the National Hospital Abuja, Dr. Teresa Isichei Pounds, Founder and President of the West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN), addressed the critical issue of hospital malnutrition, referring to it as a “skeleton in the hospital closet.” She called for the implementation of routine nutritional screening for all patients admitted to hospitals across Nigeria.

Dr. Pounds emphasized the urgent need for improved nutrition management, stating, “Many patients unable to eat due to gastrointestinal issues should receive IV or tube feeding, but Nigerian hospitals often lack the necessary systems and products.” Her remarks highlighted a concerning gap in healthcare services that can have life-threatening consequences.

Citing a tragic case of a malnourished twin who died due to the unavailability of essential nutritional products, Dr. Pounds stressed the importance of addressing these shortcomings. However, she commended Fixing Healthcare Ltd. for collaborating with WASPEN to initiate local production of parenteral nutrition formulas, a step aimed at improving the availability of vital nutritional support.

"Greater private sector involvement is essential to save lives," she urged, calling upon stakeholders to unite in addressing the malnutrition crisis.

Expressing her passion for the cause, Dr. Pounds shared, "What makes WASPEN special for me is that I am a Nigerian who is dedicated to making a difference for my people. I was welcomed by all stakeholders in the industry and want to commend everyone here today for being part of the vision of WASPEN."

The conference, themed “Bridging the Gap: Integrating Hospital and Community Malnutrition Care in Developing Countries,” brought together experts, clinicians, and policymakers dedicated to finding effective solutions to combat malnutrition and enhance healthcare across the region.