Writing by Khadija Aliyu;Editing by Abubakar Hamza.
The Kano State Hisbah Board has concluded arrangements for the medical screening of no fewer than 3,000 prospective couples ahead of the state’s planned mass wedding programme.
The Deputy Commander General of the board, Sheikh Mujahedeen Aminudeen, disclosed this in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Kano.
He stated that the screening exercise would commence on Today across 24 local government areas of the state.
According to him, the affected local government areas include Rogo, Wudil, Tudun Wada, Warawa, Kibiya, Dawakin Tofa, Garun Malam, Kura, Dambatta, Karaye, Tsanyawa, Minjibir, Rimin Gado, Shanono, Kabo, Tofa, Rano, Bebeji, Ajingi, Gwarzo, Sumaila, Kiru, Takai and Madobi.
Aminudeen explained that a total of 3,000 registered participants, comprising 1,500 males and 1,500 females, would undergo mandatory medical examinations to determine their health status before being cleared for marriage.
He noted that the exercise is being conducted in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Health and the State Agency for the Control of AIDS.
According to the Deputy Commander General, the prospective couples will be screened for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, genotype compatibility, drug abuse and other sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhoea.
Aminudeen said all registered participants had been directed to report to Hisbah offices in their respective local government areas for the screening exercise, warning that anyone who fails to appear would be removed from the programme.
He stressed that only applicants who successfully pass the health screening would qualify to participate in the mass wedding.
Recall that, the Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, reintroduced the mass wedding initiative as part of efforts to address social challenges, including prostitution and other social vices, while supporting less privileged families that are unable to bear the financial burden of marriage expenses.
