By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
In a move aimed at checkmating the spread of hepatitis through the activities of food handlers, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) said it will soon commence comprehensive hepatitis screening of those working in restaurants, markets, bakeries and canteens across the territory.
It said the step was born out of desire aimed at preventing hepatitis and other foodborne diseases, and to also safe guard public health, enhancing confidence and credibility of food businesses oper in the nation’s capital.
This was contained in the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike’s goodwill message, marking the World Hepatitis Day 2025,which was made available to journalists by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka in Abuja.
The goodwill message according the statement was delivered on behalf of the Minister by the FCTA Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environmental Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe.
According to the statement: “Hepatitis A and E, primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, can rapidly spread through poor hygiene practices, posing serious risks in our rapidly expanding and cosmopolitan city of Abuja.
“Furthermore, Hepatitis B and C, predominantly spread through blood and bodily fluids, still pose a risk in food environments where open wounds or poor hygiene are present.”
“Therefore, the FCT Administration, committed to safeguarding public health and food security, is launching a strategic initiative to enhance food safety through comprehensive hepatitis screening of food handlers. This ambitious initiative is being scaled up through an innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) consortium, in alignment with the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality.
“This PPP consortium will combine efficiency, technical expertise, and funding capacity of the private sector with government oversight to implement regular and mandatory Hepatitis B and C screening for all food handlers within the FCT
“We urge all stakeholders, government agencies, private enterprises, healthcare providers, and food industry operators to actively support this transformative initiative through the mandatory hepatitis screenings for food handlers, promotion of free and effective Hepatitis B vaccination at public health facilities, enforcement of standardized food safety training inclusive of hepatitis awareness, rigorous enforcement of licensing, hygiene inspections, and medical screening requirements for food vendors and handlers and raising awareness and compassionately addressing the stigma surrounding hepatitis.
“To us, food handlers are not just service providers, they are essential public health stewards. Simple, consistent, and safe hygiene practices can significantly reduce hepatitis transmission.
“Therefore, let us break the silence. Hygiene cannot wait. Screening cannot wait. Action cannot wait. Together, let’s ensure that the FCT leads by example, turning our food industry into a symbol of health, safety, and excellence.”
The FCT Minister described food handlers as an overlooked group whose role is pivotal in safeguarding public health.
