Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano on Tuesday assented to the Kano State Premarital Health Screening Law, a week after the state house of assembly passed the bill.
Grassroots Parrot had reported how the assembly passed the bill last week Monday “to safeguard the health of citizens by institutionalising premarital testing to check the spread of diseases like hepatitis, HIV and sickle cell anaemia.”
With the governor’s assent, the premarital health screening is now mandatory for all prospective couples in the state, effective from next week Monday, May 13, 2024.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Tuesday confirmed his principal’s assent to the law.
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.
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He said henceforth, 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.
According to the governor’s spokesperson, the initiative aligns with the Kano state governor’s commitment to enhancing and providing a conducive environment for the healthcare sector.
He added that 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 anemia, hepatitis, and related conditions.” He said.
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The statement quoted the governor as saying that the law also aimed at upholding 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 formalization of any marriage contract for individuals planning to marry without presenting a test certificate from a government-approved health facility.
“The law specifies that any individual found in violation of its provisions commits an offense and, upon conviction, may face a fine of up to five hundred thousand Naira, for a minimum of five years, or both,” the statement added.