The Katsina State Governor’s wife, Hajiya Zulaihat Radda, has appealed to intending couples to carry out genotype and HIV/AIDS tests before getting married.
She made the call during the distribution of free sickle cell and anti-malarial drugs in the state on Monday.
The drug distribution was a collaboration between the governor’s wife’s pet project, the Safe Space Humanitarian Initiative and the state’s Ministry of Health.
Radda explained that the tests are very important and are crucial to control the high risk of birthing children with Sickle Cell Disease.
According to her, the HIV/AIDS test will prevent the mistake of getting married to a carrier partner.
She said, “I call on the traditional and religious leaders, parents and others responsible for conducting marriages to comply with the state marriage law.
“The law stipulates that every party to a marriage shall undergo tests in a government hospital to determine his or her genotype and HIV/AIDS status.
“And such couples should have evidence of a certificate duly signed by a medical practitioner serving in that government hospital.
“I look forward to fostering collaboration with philanthropists, local and international organisations towards sickle cell prevention and control in the state and Nigeria at large.”
NAN