The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to implement mandatory hepatitis screening for all food handlers operating in restaurants, markets, bakeries, and canteens across Abuja.
The initiative, aimed at strengthening food safety and protecting public health, was unveiled by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in a statement marking the 2025 World Hepatitis Day. The statement was delivered on his behalf by Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat.
According to Wike, the screening program seeks to prevent the spread of hepatitis and other foodborne illnesses, which pose increasing risks in the rapidly growing FCT.
“This, in the long run, will protect public health and empower food businesses to operate with enhanced confidence and credibility,” he stated.
Wike explained that Hepatitis A and E, primarily spread through contaminated food and water, are of particular concern in areas with poor hygiene. Hepatitis B and C, which are transmitted via blood and bodily fluids, also pose risks in food handling environments, especially where open wounds or inadequate hygiene exist.
He emphasized the critical role food handlers play in public health and said they must no longer be overlooked.
To ensure the success of the program, Wike announced that the FCTA is working through an innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) consortium, aligning 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,” he said.
