8th May 2024
The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Monday, assented to the Kano State Premarital Health Screening Bill, thereby making it a law mandating premarital health screening for all prospective couples.
The governor noted that the law prescribed five years’ imprisonment or N500,000 fine or both for violators.
A statement on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Dawakin Tofa, said the law aimed to reduce the likelihood of children being born with underlying health issues such as sickle cell anaemia, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis.
“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.
“This initiative aligns with the governor’s commitment to enhancing and providing 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 anaemia, hepatitis, and related conditions,” the statement read.
Any person or individual found violating the law, according to the statement, may face a fine of up to N500,000, imprisonment of up to five years or both if convicted.
“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, imprisonment for a minimum of five years, or both,” the statement said.
Speaking on the implementation of the law, Governor Yusuf said it would help to uphold the sanctity of marriages in the state and ensure the birth of healthy children, free from preventable illnesses.
“Upon approval by the state House of Assembly and endorsement by the Kano State governor, the law was signed on May 6, 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,” the statement added.