From Desmond Mgboh Kano
The Director General Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Usman Bashir, has urged the residents of the state to comply with the recently signed mandatory premarital screening law.
The law was recentlfèpassed into law by the Assembly and signed by the state governor. Abba Kabir Yusuf.and stated.
Thie Director General spoke during a live radio program “Barka da Hantsi” aired on Freedom Radio ( A local radio station)
He said the bill will surely reduce number of children born with underlying deseases such as sickle cell anaemia, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis, adding that the new law has also made a provision for some related deseases that might be identified in the course of medical investigation.
According to him the new law has made it compulsory that all intending couples must neĺ screened and present certificate before they are granted permission to live as couples or provided with appropriate counseling on how to live a healthy marital life.
The Director General also stated that prohibition of social discrimination or stigmatisation against individuals living with HIV/AIDS, sickle cell anaemia, hepatitis, and related conditions has been included in the law as people affected need proper counseling and support from the community.
He further commended the efforts of the State Governor for the initiation and implementation of viable policies and programs that will ensure a healthy people in the state.