Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to commence the screening of food handlers, specifically those employed in restaurants, markets, bakeries, and canteens, for hepatitis. This initiative was revealed by the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, in a message marking the 2025 World Hepatitis Day.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the minister's message, delivered by Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, emphasized the importance of this initiative in safeguarding public health and food security within the FCT. The primary aim is to prevent the spread of hepatitis and other foodborne diseases, thereby enhancing the confidence and credibility of food businesses.
The minister highlighted the risks associated with Hepatitis A and E, which can spread swiftly through contaminated food and water due to inadequate hygiene practices. These risks are particularly concerning in the rapidly growing city of Abuja. Additionally, Hepatitis B and C pose significant threats in food environments where poor hygiene or open wounds are present.
The FCTA's strategic initiative, as elaborated by the minister, focuses on comprehensive hepatitis screening for food handlers as a critical measure for public health protection. This effort is part of a broader Public-Private Partnership (PPP) consortium aligned with the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality. The consortium aims to leverage the private sector's efficiency and technical expertise alongside government oversight to implement mandatory Hepatitis B and C screenings.
Mr. Wike called on stakeholders, including government agencies, private enterprises, healthcare providers, and food industry operators, to actively participate in supporting this transformative initiative. He outlined various ways stakeholders could contribute, such as facilitating mandatory hepatitis screenings, promoting free Hepatitis B vaccinations, enforcing standardized food safety training, and conducting hygiene inspections.
The minister stressed the role of food handlers as essential public health stewards and the importance of consistent hygiene practices in reducing hepatitis transmission. He urged for immediate action in screening and maintaining hygiene standards to protect public health.