Yobe Assembly moves to make pre-marital sickle cell test compulsory

The Yobe State House of Assembly has passed a bill for second reading, which seeks to enforce compulsory pre-marital tests for sickle cell disease and hepatitis.

The bill, sponsored by several lawmakers, aims to curb the spread of these diseases, raise public awareness, and improve access to treatment.

The bill mandates that couples undergo haemoglobin genotype and viral hepatitis tests before marriage to prevent further cases of sickle cell disease and ensure proper health precautions.

The lawmakers emphasised that sickle cell is a major health concern, particularly affecting underprivileged families due to the high cost of medication.

• ASUU condemns dismissal of 120 academics over strike participation
• BUA donates N2bn to Borno flood victims

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Health, chaired by Hon. Kachalla Ajiya Maina, for further review, with a report expected within four weeks.

It was sponsored by members representing Machina, Mamudo, Damaturu Central, Damaturu II and Bade West constituencies, Kachalla Ajiya Maina, Mohammed Isa Bello, Nasiru Hassan Yusuf, Buba Ibrahim Kalallawa, and Sanda Kara Bade respectively.