The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has passed the Kano State Premarital Health Screening bill, which mandates premarital health screening for all prospective couples, into law.
As per the new law, no wedding will be permitted in Kano without the presentation of a health screening certificate for genotype, hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, and other related illnesses.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Tofa, on Tuesday, the law was deemed necessary to reduce the likelihood of children being born with underlying health issues, such as sickle cell anaemia, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis.
The initiative, the statement said, aligns with the Kano State governor’s commitment to enhancing, and providing a conducive environment for the healthcare sector, while also aiming to make Kano free 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.
During the signing ceremony, Governor Yusuf emphasised that the purpose of implementing the law is to uphold the sanctity of marriages in Kano State and ensure the birth of healthy offspring, free from any preventable illnesses.
Upon approval by the state House of Assembly and endorsement by the Kano State governor, the law was signed on the 6th of May 2024 and will come into effect on May 13, 2024.
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.
Furthermore, the law prohibits the formalisation of any marriage contract for individuals planning to marry, without presenting a test certificate from a government-approved health facility.
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 N500,000, for a minimum of five years, or both.
