A member of the Taraba State House of Assembly representing Ussa Constituency, Hon. Rikupki Joshua, has called on the Taraba State Government to accord hepatitis the same level of priority and funding given to HIV/AIDS programmes, warning that the disease continues to pose a growing public health challenge.
The lawmaker made the appeal during activities marking the 2026 World Hepatitis Day, organized in Jalingo by the Centre for Initiative Development (CFID), where health stakeholders advocated increased government investment in hepatitis prevention, testing, treatment, and public awareness.
Hon. Joshua stressed the need for a dedicated funding mechanism to strengthen the fight against hepatitis, noting that increased financial support would improve access to diagnosis and treatment, particularly for residents of rural communities across Taraba State.
According to him, hepatitis has continued to receive inadequate attention despite its increasing prevalence, making it imperative for government to prioritize the disease in its healthcare planning and budgetary allocations.
The legislator disclosed that he had already sponsored a motion before the Taraba State House of Assembly seeking the establishment of a specialized agency to coordinate hepatitis control efforts in the state.
He explained that members of the Assembly were working towards ensuring the executive arm of government establishes a dedicated agency or unit with adequate funding to oversee surveillance, prevention campaigns, public education, and access to treatment for hepatitis patients.
Joshua expressed confidence that creating such an institution would provide a more coordinated and sustainable response to the disease while improving healthcare delivery for affected residents.
Activities marking this year’s World Hepatitis Day, themed “Let’s Break It Down,” commenced with a road walk from the First Bank area to the State Ministry of Works Roundabout in Jalingo.
The awareness campaign attracted health professionals, government officials, civil society organizations, community leaders, and residents, who participated in advocacy activities aimed at promoting early detection and prevention of hepatitis.
Speaking during the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Initiative Development (CFID), Prince (Dr.) Danjuma Adda, urged members of the Taraba State House of Assembly to commit greater resources toward hepatitis prevention and treatment.
He emphasized that elected representatives have a responsibility to protect the health of the people who elected them by ensuring adequate funding for healthcare programmes targeting hepatitis.
Adda also called on policymakers to strengthen initiatives that would expand access to screening services, improve early diagnosis, and guarantee timely treatment for people living with the disease.
Also addressing participants, the Taraba State Coordinator of RedAid appealed to lawmakers to increase healthcare funding, particularly for programmes aimed at eliminating hepatitis in the state.
Stakeholders at the event unanimously agreed that stronger government commitment, increased budgetary allocations, and sustained public awareness campaigns remain essential to reducing the burden of hepatitis and improving public health outcomes in Taraba State.
As part of the activities, organizers conducted free hepatitis B and C screening for participants, while individuals who tested negative received free hepatitis B vaccinations. Those who tested positive were referred to appropriate healthcare facilities for further evaluation and treatment.
Organizers disclosed that more than 450 residents benefited from the free screening exercise during the World Hepatitis Day programme.
