The member representing Ussa constituency in the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Rikupki Joshua, yesterday called on the Taraba state government to accord hepatitis the same level of attention and commitment given to HIV/AIDS programmes in the fight against infectious diseases.
Hon. Joshua made the appeal during activities marking the 2026 World Hepatitis Day, organised by the Centre for Initiative Development (CFID), where he stressed the need for a dedicated funding mechanism for hepatitis prevention, testing, treatment, and public awareness campaigns.
According to the lawmaker, the increasing prevalence of hepatitis requires urgent government intervention, noting that establishing a special fund would significantly improve access to testing and treatment services, particularly for people living in rural communities across Taraba State and Nigeria.
He expressed concern that despite the growing burden of hepatitis, the disease has not received the level of attention and resources required to effectively curb its spread. He urged relevant authorities to prioritise hepatitis in public health planning and budgetary allocations.
Hon. Joshua disclosed that he had already sponsored a motion at the Taraba State House of Assembly advocating the establishment of an agency dedicated to hepatitis control.
He said members of the Assembly were working to ensure that the executive arm of government creates a specialised agency or unit with adequate funding to coordinate efforts against the virus.
He noted that such an institution would provide a structured approach to combating hepatitis through improved surveillance, public awareness, prevention strategies, and expanded access to medical care.
The 2026 World Hepatitis Day celebration, themed “Let’s Break It Down,” began with a road walk from the First Bank area to the State Ministry of Works Roundabout in Jalingo. The event attracted health advocates, government representatives, community members, and other stakeholders who participated in awareness campaigns and free hepatitis screening.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Initiative Development (CFID), Prince Danjuma Adda, urged members of the Taraba State House of Assembly to treat hepatitis as a major public health concern by committing adequate resources to its prevention and control.
“Allocate resources for hepatitis because it is the people that voted you that are living with hepatitis,” Prince Adda said, stressing that government officials have a responsibility to protect the health of the citizens they represent.
He also called on policymakers to support initiatives aimed at reducing the spread of the virus, improving early detection, and ensuring timely treatment for those infected.
Also speaking, the Taraba state Coordinator of RedAid emphasised the need for legislators to increase healthcare funding, particularly for hepatitis elimination programmes.
Stakeholders at the event unanimously agreed that stronger government commitment, increased funding, and sustained public awareness are critical to reducing the burden of hepatitis in Taraba State and improving health outcomes.
The event featured free hepatitis B and C screening, as well as free hepatitis B vaccination for participants who tested negative. Those who tested positive were referred to appropriate health facilities for follow-up care. Organisers disclosed that more than 450 people were screened during the programme.