Source: Zainab Adewale

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike

In a bold move to improve food safety and public health, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to begin mandatory hepatitis screening for all food handlers across Abuja. This policy, unveiled on Wednesday by the FCT Minister’s office, targets workers in restaurants, markets, bakeries, and other food-serving establishments.

Why This Matters

Food handlers—often overlooked in public health planning—play a critical role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases like hepatitis. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike emphasized this in a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.

According to Wike, hepatitis viruses—especially types A and E—pose significant health risks due to their transmission through contaminated food and water. With Abuja’s rapidly growing population, the need to prevent outbreaks through early detection and hygiene enforcement has become more urgent.

“Food handlers are not just service providers, they are essential public health stewards,” Wike noted. “Hygiene cannot wait. Screening cannot wait. Action cannot wait.”

Understanding Hepatitis and Its Risks

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, typically caused by viral infections, alcohol use, toxins, or autoimmune responses. The five major types—A, B, C, D, and E—differ in transmission methods and severity:

• Hepatitis A & E: Transmitted via contaminated food or water; often acute and self-resolving.
• Hepatitis B, C & D: Spread through blood, sexual contact, or childbirth; can become chronic and lead to liver damage, cancer, or death.

Symptoms, if they appear, include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, and dark urine. Nigeria is among the countries with the highest hepatitis burden globally, with over 20 million people infected, according to Health Minister Muhammad Pate.

Implementation Plan: A Public-Private Model

The FCTA will roll out the screening program through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model that combines government oversight with private sector efficiency and funding. This PPP consortium will be responsible for:

• Mandatory hepatitis B and C screenings for food handlers
• Free Hepatitis B vaccination at designated public health centers
• Standardized food safety training that includes hepatitis awareness
• Regular hygiene inspections and licensing enforcement

This comprehensive approach aligns with the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality, and aims to raise compliance and public awareness.

Stakeholder Engagement and Call to Action

The FCTA is calling on all relevant stakeholders—government agencies, healthcare providers, food vendors, and private enterprises—to actively support the initiative.