The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) To Commence Mandatory Hepatitis Screening For Food Handlers

The World Health Organization (WHO) has collaborated with the Government of Nigeria and hepatitis stakeholders to raise awareness and promote early diagnosis and treatment for World Hepatitis Day 2025. The global event, observed annually on 28 July, raises awareness about viral hepatitis- an inflammation of the liver that can lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer.

Hepatitis includes five types: A, B, C, D, and E. In the WHO African Region, over 70 million people suffer from chronic hepatitis B or C, but fewer than 10% are diagnosed or treated. Nigeria, with 325,000 new infections in 2022, ranks third globally in hepatitis prevalence. 

Chronic hepatitis B and C can lead to liver damage and cancer, even though they are preventable, treatable, and, in the case of hepatitis C, curable.

In a move to strengthen food safety and public health in the nation’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to commence mandatory hepatitis screening for food handlers across the territory.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The statement indicates that the initiative seeks to enhance food safety through comprehensive hepatitis screening of food handlers that will target workers in restaurants, markets, bakeries, and canteens.

Mr Wike said the initiative is aimed at curbing the spread of hepatitis and other foodborne diseases through regular medical screening and improved hygiene compliance in food service environments.