The Federal and the State Government in Nigeria have been advised to prioritize nutrition within the Nigeria Healthcare Strategy in the interest of the generality of Nigerians. Not Only that, Professional Institutions and other partners across West Africa are equally urged to work towards bridging the gap of Hospital Malnutrition.

The National President, West African Society of Parental and Enteral Nutrition, (WAS PEN), Dr. Teresa Pounds, made the appeal at a news conference ahead of the 2025 Malnutrition Awareness Week. She maintained that Hospital Nutrition must be made to be part of National Strategy noting that this is in line with the international campaign that nutrition remains a human right but not a privilege for a few.

Speaking further on the prevalence of Malnutrition, Dr. Pounds disclosed that one in three patients admitted into the hospital is malnourished, a condition that is being under prioritize in health agenda noting that in Nigeria and other African Countries, the consequences of Malnutrition are severe. She emphasized the need not to also ignore community Malnutrition, as over 30 per cent of children in Nigeria are stunted and about seven per cent are wasted, the number which reflected deep rooted challenges and need for a holistic approach.The National President of WASPEN called on President Tinubu and other National leaders to give undivided attention to Nutrition within the National Strategy.