An NGO known as the Al-Mu’asharah Marriage and Counseling Foundation (AMGCF) has emphasised the necessity of conducting genotype and four other crucial tests before marriage as a means of enhancing the overall healthcare of individuals in society. The Chairman of the foundation, Imam Nura Abubakar-Assalafy, revealed this important advocacy during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Katsina.
The foundation recommends that intending couples undergo tests for genotype, hepatitis, mental health, pregnancy, and drugs to ensure their overall health and well-being. According to Mr Abubakar-Assalafy, the introduction of HIV/AIDS tests before marriage has significantly contributed to the reduction of infections contracted from marriage partners.
Advocating for the necessity of these tests, the chairman urged lawmakers to enact laws that would legally mandate prospective couples to undergo these essential health screenings before entering into marriage.
Mr Abubakar-Assalafy stated, “We are acutely aware of the immense suffering experienced by children living with sickle cell anemia, as well as the burden placed on their parents to provide medical care for them. This disease, being genetically transmitted, has no cure. Therefore, the only solution is to prevent marriages between two individuals both diagnosed as sickle cell anemia carriers.”
He further highlighted the importance of testing for hepatitis, emphasising its potential to be transmitted through close contact with an infected person. By enforcing diagnosis prior to marriage, the foundation aims to reduce the prevalence of this disease within the population.
Discussing mental health testing, Mr Abubakar-Assalafy noted that despite outward appearances, some individuals could be grappling with undiagnosed mental illnesses which could significantly impact the family dynamic. Emphasising the potential repercussions, he stated, “If one of the partners is grappling with such challenges, it may lead to marital issues, possibly resulting in infidelity, without a clear understanding of the root cause.”
Mr Abubakar-Assalafy also stressed the importance of a pregnancy test before marriage to avoid entering into a union with a woman at an early stage of pregnancy. Additionally, he urged lawmakers to implement legislation that would necessitate couples to undergo drug tests, as a means to curb the prevalence of drug abuse within society.
In addition to advocating for pre-marriage health tests, the foundation also conducts seminars on marital affairs for couples, provides reconciliation services in case of misunderstandings, and facilitates connections between individuals seeking marriage partners.
Mr Abubakar-Assalafy identified ignorance and self-interest as major contributors to divorce, emphasising the importance of mutual respect, seeking marriage guidance, effective communication, personal hygiene, and piety in fostering a harmonious marital relationship.
This strong call for essential pre-marriage health tests and the promotion of healthy marital relationships aims to significantly impact the overall well-being of individuals, laying a solid foundation for a healthier society.
NAN
