By Mokobia Rita.
ASABA/Nigeria: Renowned pharmacist and healthcare administrator, Pharm. (Dr.) Paul O. Enebeli, has called for greater investment in clinical nutrition as a vital pillar of effective healthcare delivery, warning that poor nutrition continues to undermine treatment outcomes for many patients across the country.
Enebeli made the call while speaking at the 5th Annual Clinical Nutrition Conference of the West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN), held at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, where he was honoured with a prestigious award in recognition of his contributions to healthcare development.
The conference, themed “Sustainable Clinical Nutrition Services: Ensuring Access, Safety and Collaboration,” brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, nutrition experts and stakeholders from across West Africa to explore strategies for improving nutrition services and strengthening healthcare systems.
Speaking as Chairman of the Occasion and one of the award recipients, Enebeli described the conference theme as both timely and relevant, especially amid prevailing economic challenges that have made access to adequate nutrition increasingly difficult for many Nigerians.
According to him, malnutrition remains a major but often overlooked challenge in healthcare delivery, with many patients arriving at hospitals already undernourished, while others experience nutritional deficiencies during hospitalization.
“Quite often, people come to the hospital undernourished, and even within the hospital they are not well fed. For therapy to achieve its full potential, the nutritional status of the patient is extremely important,” he said.
He stressed that medical treatment alone cannot guarantee positive health outcomes without adequate nutritional support, noting that proper nutrition remains fundamental to recovery, rehabilitation and overall patient wellbeing.
Enebeli also underscored the importance of teamwork in healthcare delivery, emphasizing that doctors, pharmacists, nurses, dietitians and other healthcare professionals must work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for patients.
“A patient is not one person’s patient; it is our patient. It is a patient for the entire healthcare team. Collaboration should never be seen as a competition but as a collective responsibility aimed at achieving the best outcomes for patients,” he stated.
The respected pharmacist noted that a healthy population is essential for economic growth and national development, adding that investments in nutrition ultimately translate into improved productivity and reduced healthcare costs.
He commended the Medical Director of FMC Asaba, Dr. Omo-Ehimen Ekenem, for providing leadership that has helped position the institution as a leading centre for clinical nutrition practice and innovation in Nigeria.
Enebeli also praised the Delta State Government for supporting the conference, noting that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s representation at the event by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health reflected the administration’s recognition of the critical role of nutrition in healthcare delivery.
The award recipient reserved special commendation for the Founder and President of WASPEN, Dr. Teresa Isichei Pounds, describing her commitment to advancing nutrition services in Nigeria as exemplary.
Despite being based in the United States, he said Dr. Pounds has remained actively involved in healthcare development in Nigeria, dedicating her expertise and resources to improving nutrition outcomes.
“While many people talk about the ‘Japa Syndrome,’ Dr. Teresa Pounds is doing the exact opposite. She continues to return home to contribute to national development. Such sacrifices deserve encouragement and recognition because they inspire confidence and demonstrate that meaningful change is possible,” he said.
Reflecting on the award presented to him by WASPEN, Enebeli expressed gratitude to God and the organisation for the honour.
“I thank God that as I grow older, I am like a sweet wine getting sweeter with age. This recognition is by the grace of God, and I am grateful to WASPEN for counting me worthy of this honour,” he remarked.
Earlier, the keynote speaker and Director of Nutrition at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ladi Bako-Aiyegbusi, described clinical nutrition as a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of all healthcare professionals.
She emphasized the need for evidence-based practices, strong collaboration and inclusive approaches to improve nutrition outcomes and patient care across the country.
“Together as a team, we can transform clinical nutrition services in Nigeria, improve patient outcomes and save lives. Let this conference be more than a gathering; let it become a turning point in all that we do,” she said.
Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Permanent Secretary in the Delta State Ministry of Health, Dr. Mrs. Gloria Ferife, described the conference as timely and significant, expressing confidence that its resolutions would contribute to improved healthcare policies and service delivery.
In her welcome address, Dr. Teresa Isichei Pounds thanked the Delta State Government, partners and stakeholders for their support, stressing that nutrition must remain central to disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and long-term care.
The conference climaxed with the presentation of awards to distinguished healthcare professionals and advocates whose contributions have advanced clinical nutrition and healthcare delivery in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
For Pharm. Paul Enebeli, the recognition was not only a celebration of personal achievement but also a platform to amplify a message he considers critical to modern healthcare: that nutrition remains one of the most powerful tools for healing, recovery and improved quality of life.
