The Kano State Premarital Health Screening Bill was signed into law by Governor Abba Yusuf on Monday, requiring premarital health screening for all prospective spouses.

The governor pointed out that offenders of the law could face up to five years in prison, a N500,000 fine, or both.

The governor’s spokesperson, Dawakin Tofa, stated in a statement on Tuesday that the goal of the law was to lessen the possibility that infants would be born with underlying medical conditions like hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and sickle cell anemia.

“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.

The statement stated that anyone caught in violation of the law would be punished with a fine of up to N500,000, five years in jail, or both.

“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.

In his speech, Governor Yusuf discussed how the law’s execution will support the state’s marriage sanctity and guarantee the birth of healthy children who are free from avoidable ailments.

“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.