The Kano State House of Assembly has passed a bill that will make it mandatory for intending couples to undergo medical screenings for HIV, hepatitis, and sickle cell anemia before marriage.
The bill was passed during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ismail Falgore on Monday.
The passage of the bill followed deliberations in the Committee of the Whole House and was passed on its third reading, as read by the Deputy Clerk, Nasiru Magaji.
The Assembly said the decision marks a significant step towards protecting public health and preventing the spread of life-threatening diseases.
Majority Leader Lawan Hussein stated that anyone planning to marry must undergo medical examinations to ensure they are free from the aforementioned conditions.
Hussein emphasised that the bill was introduced due to the prevalence of health issues such as HIV, which can be spread through uninformed marriages in the state.
If signed into law, this measure would serve as a proactive approach to reducing the incidence of life-threatening conditions in Kano State.