A Nigerian Governor, Abba Yusuf have assented to the Kano State Premarital Health Screening Bill into law.
The new law mandates premarital health screening for all prospective couples in the state.
While signing the law in Kano, Mr Yusuf urged its faithful implementation to uphold the sanctity of marriages in Kano and ensure the birth of healthy offspring free from preventable illnesses.
According to the law, no wedding would be permitted in Kano without the presentation of a health screening certificate for genotype, hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, and other related conditions.
The law is meant to reduce the likelihood of children being born with underlying health issues such as sickle cell anaemia, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis.
This initiative aligns with the Kano state governor’s commitment to enhancing and providing a conducive environment for the healthcare sector, aiming to free Kano from or significantly reduce health challenges.
The law necessitates mandatory testing for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, genotype, and other relevant examinations before marriage.
It also prohibits any discrimination or stigmatisation against individuals living with HIV/AIDS, sickle cell anaemia, hepatitis, and related conditions.
It is mandated by the law that any individual intending to marry must undergo testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, genotype, and any other relevant tests before marriage.
The law prohibits formalising any marriage contract for individuals planning to marry without presenting a test certificate from a government-approved health facility.
The law also specifies that any individual found violating its provisions commits an offence and, upon conviction, may face a fine of up to N500,000, a minimum of five years’ imprisonment or both.
