An upcoming law in
Sokoto state will mandate potential suitors to add insecticide-treated mosquito
nets to the brideprice they pay before getting married.
The couple will also have to undergo testing for sickle cell
gene and enrol for a state community contributory health scheme to reduce the
cost of medical treatment, according to the law.
Sokoto health commissioner Balarabe Kakale said the law
makes it compulsory for couples to undergo testing for HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis
B.
The state health ministry is to sponsor a private bill
before Sokoto legislature.
But that will not come until a seminar agrees on the
position of the law, Islam, and culture on premarital testing.
Kakale said the measures were meant to reduce the menace of
the diseases in Sokoto
By Rakiya A.Muhammad
