Yobe State Assembly Advances Bill To Mandate Pre-Marital Sickle Cell And Hepatitis Testing

The Yobe State House of Assembly has taken a significant step towards improving public health by passing a bill through its second reading, which proposes compulsory pre-marital screening for sickle cell disease and viral hepatitis.

The bill, supported by multiple lawmakers, aims to reduce the prevalence of sickle cell disease and hepatitis by mandating haemoglobin genotype and viral hepatitis tests for all couples before marriage. By making these tests mandatory, the lawmakers hope to raise public awareness, improve access to treatment, and help curb the spread of these serious diseases.

Sickle cell disease, in particular, was highlighted as a major health challenge, with lawmakers noting that the cost of medication often burdens low-income families. The proposed law seeks to ensure that individuals are better informed about their health status before marriage, potentially reducing the number of children born with sickle cell disease.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Health, chaired by Hon. Kachalla Ajiya Maina, for further review. The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations within four weeks.

The bill is sponsored by five key members of the House, including Hon. Kachalla Ajiya Maina (Machina Constituency), Mohammed Isa Bello (Mamudo Constituency), Nasiru Hassan Yusuf (Damaturu Central Constituency), Buba Ibrahim Kalallawa (Damaturu II Constituency), and Sanda Kara Bade (Bade West Constituency).

The proposed legislation is seen as a proactive measure to tackle preventable health conditions in Yobe State, particularly in underprivileged communities, and is expected to gain further support as it moves through the legislative process.