Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has signed the Kano State Premarital Health Screening Bill into law, mandating premarital health screening for all prospective couples in the state.
The new law, signed by Governor Yusuf, emphasizes the importance of upholding the sanctity of marriages and ensuring the birth of healthy offspring, free from preventable illnesses.
Under the provisions of the law, weddings in Kano State will not be permitted without the presentation of a health screening certificate for genotype, hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, and other related conditions.
The initiative aims to reduce the likelihood of children being born with underlying health issues such as sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis, aligning with the governor’s commitment to enhancing the healthcare sector in Kano.
The law mandates mandatory testing for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, genotype, and other relevant examinations before marriage, while also prohibiting discrimination or stigmatization against individuals with these conditions.
Individuals intending to marry must undergo testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, genotype, and other relevant tests before marriage, as per the law’s mandate.
Violation of the law’s provisions constitutes an offense, with penalties including fines of up to N500,000 or a minimum of five years imprisonment, or both.
