The Sokoto State Ministry of Health said is working on a bill, and if passed by the State House of Assembly and eventually signed by Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal would make it compulsory for potential suitors to add insecticide-treated mosquito nets to the bride price they pay before getting married.
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The plan was made known by the State Commissioner for Health, Balarabe Kakale.
Kakale said that the bill if passed into law would also make it mandatory for intending couple to undergo testing for sickle cell gene, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B.
He added that it would make it compulsory for couple to enroll for the state community contributory health scheme to reduce the cost of medical treatment.
The Commissioner explained that the Health Ministry planned to organise a seminar where position of the law, Islam, and culture on premarital testing will be discussed, adding that conclusions reached at the seminar will be considered in the bill’s final draft.
