The Sokoto State government in its measure of curbing malaria and spread of other diseases in the State has issued a new law that mandate potential suitors to add insecticide-treated mosquito nets to the bride price they pay before getting married.
The new law also states that couples will also have to undergo testing for sickle cell gene, and enroll for a state community contributory health scheme to reduce the cost of medical treatment.
According to reports, the Sokoto state health commissioner Balarabe Kakale said the new law now makes it compulsory for couples to undergo testing like HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B as the state health ministry planning to sponsor a private bill before Sokoto law makers.
According to Kakale, the new laws were meant to reduce the menace of the diseases in Sokoto but that will not come until a seminar agrees on the position of the law, Islam, and culture on premarital testing.
