The governor of Kano state, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, Tuesday, assented to the Kano State Premarital Health Screening Law, which mandates premarital health screening for all prospective couples.
The law states that 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.
A statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said the law was deemed necessary to reduce the likelihood of children being born with underlying health issues such as sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis.
This initiative aligns with the Kano state governor’s commitment to enhance and provide a conducive environment for the healthcare sector, aiming to make Kano free 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 anemia, hepatitis, and related conditions.
During the signing ceremony, Governor Yusuf stated 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 preventable illnesses.
Upon approval by the 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.
