In its bid to safeguard public health and food security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the FCT Administration (FCTA) will soon commence a comprehensive hepatitis screening of food handlers, especially those working in restaurants, markets, bakeries, canteens.
In a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant Public Communications and Social Media
Lere Olayinka reveals that, the initiative is aimed at preventing hepatitis and other foodborne diseases, thereby protecting public health and empowering food businesses to operate with enhanced confidence and credibility.
The statement reveals that, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s made this known while delivering a goodwill message, marking the World Hepatitis Day 2025.
The goodwill message was delivered on behalf of the Minister by the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, says “Hepatitis A and E, primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, can rapidly spread through poor hygiene practices, posing serious risks in and rapidly expanding in 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.”
The FCT Minister described food handlers as an overlooked group whose role is pivotal in safeguarding public health.
“The FCT Administration says its committed to safeguarding public health and food security, by 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”.
The Minister however 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, promote free and effective Hepatitis B vaccination at public health facilities, enforce standardized food safety training inclusive of hepatitis awareness, rigorous enforcement of licensing, hygiene inspections, and medical screening requirements for food vendors and handlers as well as 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.”
