Thousands of intended couples in Kano State are rushing to clinics for premarital tests across the 44 local government areas to avoid falling foul of the law
To avoid a five-year jail term or the heartbreak of a cancelled ceremony, the government has released the official checklist of four mandatory medical tests required before any wedding fatiha can be solemnised.
Genotype and sickle cell screening are the most critical test. The law aims to eliminate sickle cell disease by ensuring intending partners are genetically compatible.
If both partners are carriers, AS or SS, counsellors are legally required to advise against the union to prevent future health challenges for their children.
HIV/AIDS test requires that both partners must know their HIV status before the marriage contract is signed. The test must be conducted at a government-approved laboratory or hospital.
Hepatitis B and C test, often described as a silent killer, hepatitis screening is now mandatory. Because it is highly contagious, the law ensures partners are informed early and can seek vaccination or treatment where necessary.
As seen in recent wedding cancellations across the state, pregnancy testing for the female partner is now strictly enforced. This ensures the marriage contract, nikah, is based on full disclosure and complies with Islamic jurisprudence on iddah periods and existing pregnancies.
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Where to get tested
The Kano State Ministry of Health advises couples to use government general hospitals or accredited private laboratories. Certificates must carry official stamps, as the Hisbah board and officiating imams have been trained to detect forged documents.
Fourteen-day rule
The law requires all test results to be presented to the officiating imam at least 14 days before the wedding date, allowing sufficient time for medical advice and counselling if health issues are identified.
DAILYNEWS
