From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has assented to the Kano State Premarital Health Screening Law.
The law which comes into effect on May 13th 2024 mandates premarital health screening for all prospective couples in the state..
Daily Sun reports that under the new law, no wedding will be permitted in the state without the presentation of a health screening certificate for genotype, hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, and other related illnesses.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, explained the law is intended to reduce the likelihood of children being born with underlying health issues such as sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS.
The statement explained that the law prohibits any discrimination or stigmatization against individuals living with HIV/AIDS, sickle cell anaemia, hepatitis, and related conditions.
Speaking at the law signing ceremony, the Governor stated that the purpose of the law is to uphold the sanctity of marriages in the state adding that it is also to ensure the birth of healthy offspring, free from any preventable illnesses.
The statement tasked any individual intending to marry in the state to undergo testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, genotype, and any other relevant tests before marriage.
“Moreover, the law specifies that any individual found in violation of its provisions commits an offence and, upon conviction, may face a fine of up to five hundred thousand Naira, for a minimum of five years, or both,” said the statement.