By Najib Sani Bauchi
As part of efforts to prevent the spread of Human immune deficiency Virus (HIV) and sickle cell diseases among its citizens and the unborn generation, the government of Bauchi state has enacted a law that would henceforth compel all intending couples to conduct screening to ascertain their statuses before marriage. Executive Secretary of the Bauchi state Agency for the Control of HIV/ AIDS, Tuberculosis/Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA), Dr Mansur Dada, disclosed this yesterday while presenting the agency’s fi ve-year strategic plan (2017—2021) and the compulsory genotype, HIV test and anti discrimination law. According to him, the purpose of the law was to protect the rights and dignity of intending couples, people living with HIV or aff ected by AIDS and Sickle Cell diseases.
Th e law also stipulates that parents and guardians must submit their children and wards to HIV and genotype tests and must disclose their statuses before marrying them off . It also seeks to eliminate all forms of discrimination based on HIV or genotype as well as provide supporting environment to people living with HIV or Sickle Cell to live normal lives. “Any person or institution who contravenes any provisions of this law shall be guilty of an off ence and liable on conviction to a fi ne not less than N150, 000 for individuals and N500, 000 for organizations or imprisonment for a period of not less than one year or both such fi ne and imprisonment.”
