Dr. Albert Barrocas, from the Department of Surgery at Tulane University of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana has declared Malnutrition as a global pandemic during the West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN) 2nd Edition Annual Malnutrition Awareness Week.

Held on September 11, 2025, the 2nd Edition Annual Malnutrition Awareness Week was themed: "United Against Malnutrition”.

Speaking as the lead speaker at the second webinar session on the sub-theme, "Past, Present, and Future of Nutrition Support," Dr. Barrocas delved deep into the complexities of nutrition and its critical role in patient care.

In his opening remarks, he expressed his admiration for WASPEN's efforts over the past two years, stating, “Malnutrition is more than an epidemic; it is a global pandemic that isn’t just limited to Nigeria or West Africa but a concern that has plagued us for many years.” He highlighted the paradox of having solutions to ameliorate malnutrition while confronting a lack of concern and, in some cases, total ignorance regarding the issue.

"To be understood, you must first understand," he urged, advocating for empathetic listening and a compassionate approach in addressing nutritional challenges. Dr. Barrocas explained the physiological implications of fasting and inadequate nutrition, explaining that after 18 hours without food, the body's glucose stores are exhausted, leading to significant physiological stress.

He elucidated how during periods of fasting, the body shifts its energy sources, primarily relying on fatty acids and, crucially, on proteins through gluconeogenesis. He warned that malnutrition often mimics signs of aging, stating, “Aging is a process, not a disease. We must not ignore that over 50% of elderly individuals may show signs of malnutrition.”

Dr. Barrocas emphasized the necessity of nutrition assessment in clinical practice, advocating for subjective global assessments to identify malnutrition in patients. He noted that across the globe, between 30% and 50% of hospitalized patients exhibit signs of protein or protein-calorie malnutrition, a circumstance that is particularly prevalent in elderly populations and low-resource countries. Despite these high prevalence rates, he lamented that only 9% of discharged patients had malnutrition documented in their medical records.

To address this critical issue, Dr. Barrocas argued for a collaborative approach in healthcare, stating that successful nutritional interventions require the collective efforts of a multidisciplinary team comprising nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and dietitians. He stated, "There is no 'I' in team; there is no success without 'U.' You can make a difference no matter where you are."

In conclusion, Dr. Barrocas reinforced the message that protein and protein-calorie malnutrition is a global pandemic, particularly impacting hospitalized patients, the elderly, and those in low- to middle-income countries. He urged healthcare professionals to adhere to the principles of The Troubling Trichotomy (T3), emphasizing that all patients have the right to receive the right nutritional care, provided at the right time and place.

As healthcare professionals globally reflect on the insights shared during the WASPEN webinar, the urgency of addressing malnutrition as a critical component of patient care has never been clearer. The call for action remains: to prioritize nutritional assessment and care, ensuring that all individuals receive the support necessary for optimal health and recovery.