ASAGBA OF ASABA BACKS WASPEN’S MISSION AGAINST HOSPITAL MALNUTRITION

The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, has commended the West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN) for its sustained commitment to addressing hospital malnutrition and promoting clinical nutrition awareness across Nigeria.

The commendation came during a courtesy visit to the palace by Dr. Teresa Isichei Pounds, Founder and President of WASPEN, and her delegation on November 10th, 2025. Dr. Isichei, an Atlanta-based nutrition expert, briefed the monarch on preparations for the 2026 Clinical Nutrition Conference scheduled to hold from June 23rd to 26th at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba.

The Asagba described WASPEN’s intervention as timely and transformative, emphasizing its importance in improving patient outcomes and strengthening healthcare delivery. He pledged his palace’s support for the success of the conference, acknowledging that the initiative reflects the spirit of excellence and community service for which Asaba indigenes in the diaspora are known.

Dr. Isichei expressed appreciation for the royal endorsement, noting that the forthcoming conference would focus on training healthcare providers, advancing hospital nutrition support and creating public awareness on the dangers of malnutrition among patients. She stressed that the initiative is designed to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance capacity for evidence-based nutrition care in medical institutions.

The WASPEN delegation also paid a visit to the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, whose office pledged full support and collaboration toward ensuring a successful event.

The visit concluded with the Asagba extending his royal blessings to the WASPEN team, reaffirming his commitment to partnerships that advance public health and community well-being across Delta State and beyond.