In its bid to safeguard public health and food security in the nation’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA)said it would soon commence a comprehensive hepatitis screening of food handlers, especially those working in restaurants, markets, bakeries, canteens.

The initiative, according to the administration, is aimed at preventing hepatitis and other food borne diseases, thereby protecting public health and empowering food businesses to operate with enhanced confidence and credibility.

This was contained in the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s goodwill message, marking the World Hepatitis Day 2025.

The goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Minister by the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, noted that 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.

He added that 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.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant, Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike described food handlers as an overlooked group whose role is pivotal in safeguarding public health.

“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.”