The Yobe State House of Assembly has adopted the report of its ad-hoc committee on a bill seeking to repeal and re-enact the state’s anti-stigmatisation law, introducing compulsory premarital tests for haemoglobin genotype and viral hepatitis.

Naijaonpoint reports that the report was adopted following extensive deliberations by lawmakers during plenary on Tuesday.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Kachalla Maina, explained that the bill, once passed, would help reduce the spread of sickle cell disease and viral hepatitis among intending couples.

“Statistics have shown that Nigeria has about 40 million people living with sickle cell disease, while Yobe State has the highest number of victims. This situation needs urgent legislative intervention,” Maina said.

According to the proposed law, any Imam or pastor who conducts a marriage without a valid haemoglobin genotype test result from an approved healthcare facility would face two years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦200,000.

Additionally, any health practitioner found colluding with intending couples or guardians to present fake test results would face three years in jail or a ₦500,000 fine.

Inclusion of genotype education in schools

The Assembly also emphasised the need for the executive to direct the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to include lessons on sickle cell disease in primary and post-primary school curricula.

Lawmakers further recommended that genotype results be reflected on primary school leaving certificates to enhance early awareness.

Presiding over the sitting, Speaker Rt. Hon. Chiroma Buba Mashio, applauded the committee for presenting what he described as a comprehensive report aimed at preventing the spread of the diseases in the state.

The bill is expected to undergo final passage after consideration of the adopted recommendations.