Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has assented to the Kano State Premarital Health Screening Bill into law on Wednesday.
The new law demands premarital health screening for all prospective couples in the state.
While signing the law, Yusuf urged its faithful implementation to uphold the sanctity of marriages in Kano State and ensure the birth of healthy offspring, free from preventable illnesses.
According to the law, no wedding would be permitted in Kano State 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 possibility of children being born with underlying health issues such as sickle cell anaemia, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis.
This aligns with Kano state governor’s commitment to enhance and provide a conducive environment for the healthcare sector, aiming to reduce healthcare challenges in Kano.
The law necessitates mandatory testing for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, genotype, and other relevant examinations before marriage.
It also prohibits any discrimination or stigmatization 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.
There will be no formalization of the marriage contract until a test certificate from a government-approved health facility is presented.
Also, any individual found in violation of the law’s provisions commits an offence and, upon conviction, may face a fine of up to N500,000 fine of for a minimum of five years imprisonment, or both.
