3,000 Kano couples to undergo HIV, genotype, drug tests before mass wedding

The Kano State Hisbah Board has announced plans to begin medical screening for 3,000 prospective couples ahead of its mass wedding programme. Speaking on Sunday, the board's Deputy Commander General, Sheikh Mujahedeen Aminudeen, said the exercise will commence on Monday, June 8, across 24 local government areas in the state. According to him, the couples, made up of 1,500 men and 1,500 women, will undergo mandatory health screenings to determine their eligibility for the programme. The screening, which is being conducted in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Health and the State Agency for the Control of AIDS, will test participants for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, genotype, drug use and other sexually transmitted infections. Aminudeen said all registered couples have been directed to report to Hisbah offices in their respective local government areas, warning that anyone who fails to participate will be removed from the programme. He added that only those who successfully pass the medical screening will qualify for the mass wedding. The Kano State Government reintroduced the mass wedding initiative under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as part of efforts aimed at addressing prostitution and other social challenges, particularly among young women whose families may be unable to afford marriage expenses.The post 3,000 Kano couples to undergo HIV, genotype, drug tests before mass wedding appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.