The member representing Ussa Constituency in the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rikupki Joshua, has called on the state government to accord hepatitis the same level of priority and funding accorded to HIV/AIDS programmes, warning that the growing burden of the disease requires urgent and coordinated action.
The lawmaker made the appeal during activities marking the 2026 World Hepatitis Day, organised by the Centre for Initiative Development (CFID), where he advocated the establishment of a dedicated funding mechanism to support hepatitis prevention, testing, treatment, and public awareness campaigns across the state.
Joshua said the rising prevalence of hepatitis demands immediate government intervention, noting that a special intervention fund would improve access to testing and treatment, particularly for residents of rural communities who often lack adequate healthcare services.
He expressed concern that despite its increasing public health impact, hepatitis continues to receive less attention and fewer resources than other infectious diseases.
According to him, prioritising hepatitis in government health policies and annual budgetary allocations would strengthen efforts to reduce infections and improve healthcare outcomes.
The lawmaker disclosed that he had already sponsored a motion before the Taraba State House of Assembly calling for the establishment of a specialised agency dedicated to hepatitis control.
He explained that lawmakers are engaging the executive arm of government to create a well-funded agency or unit that would coordinate surveillance, prevention, public education, and treatment programmes across the state.
“We are working to ensure there is a structured institutional framework that will drive sustained efforts against hepatitis and expand access to quality healthcare services,” he said.
The 2026 World Hepatitis Day celebration, with the theme: “Let’s Break It Down,” commenced with a road walk from the First Bank area to the State Ministry of Works Roundabout in Jalingo, drawing health advocates, government officials, development partners, community members, and other stakeholders.
Participants also took part in public awareness campaigns, free hepatitis B and C screening, and hepatitis B vaccination for individuals who tested negative.
Speaking during the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Initiative Development (CFID), Dr. Danjuma Adda, urged members of the Taraba State House of Assembly to treat hepatitis as a major public health challenge deserving of sustained government investment.
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“Allocate resources for hepatitis because it is the people that voted you that are living with hepatitis,” Adda said, stressing that elected officials have a responsibility to protect the health of the citizens they represent.
He further called on policymakers to strengthen support for programmes aimed at reducing transmission, promoting early diagnosis, and ensuring timely treatment for those living with the disease.
Also speaking, the Taraba State Coordinator of RedAid appealed to legislators to increase healthcare funding, particularly for hepatitis elimination programmes, describing adequate financing as essential to achieving long-term disease control.
Stakeholders at the event unanimously agreed that stronger political commitment, increased funding, and sustained public awareness campaigns remain critical to reducing the burden of hepatitis in Taraba State.
