Bauchi State government has enacted a law to compel intending couples in the state to conduct HIV and Genotype test before marriage.
This was disclosed Thursday at stakeholders’ meeting at the Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS Tuberculosis /Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA).
The law titled, “A Law to provide for compulsory HIV/AIDS and Genotype test before marriage and to prohibit stigmatisation /Discrimination of HIV/AIDS victims and for other related purposes connected thereto” was enacted by the Bauchi State House of Assembly.
Cited as ‘Bauchi State Compulsory Genotype, HIV Test, Anti-Discrimination Law 2017, it will come into operation on April 12, 2017.
According to a document distributed at the meeting, the purpose of the law was to protect the rights and dignity of intending couples, people-living with HIV or affected by AIDS and Sickle Cell disease.
The law also stipulates that parents and guardians must submit their children and wards to HIV and Genotype tests and must disclose their status 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.
The law also carries various penalties for violators of any of its provisions.
