By Aliyu Usman | Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Usman Muhammed, has passed a landmark premarital examination bill aimed at tackling the spread of sickle cell disease and other hereditary blood disorders in the state.
The bill, originally presented by the Kebbi State Sickle Cell Association (KESCA) with the support of over 43 non-governmental organizations, mandates intending couples to undergo genotype testing before marriage.
A Historic Milestone
In a statement signed by Hadiza Yahya Shantali, chairperson of KESCA, the passage of the bill was described as “historic and a milestone achievement” in the legislative history of Kebbi.
“We are excited that after a very long process, the House of Assembly in Kebbi State has passed the bill into law. This law will not only help in breaking the cycle of sickle cell disease but will also reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and other inherited blood disorders,” she said.
Shantalii further explained that KESCA and allied NGOs had been advocating for the bill since November 2019, making its eventual passage a victory for public health advocacy in Kebbi State.
Recognition for Key Supporters
The association commended Governor Dr. Nasir Idris, Speaker Usman Muhammed (Lifidan Zuru), and Aminu Abubakar Gulumbe, chairman of the House Committee on Health, for their exceptional support in ensuring the law was passed.
According to health experts, the legislation is expected to drastically reduce cases of sickle cell anemia, a genetic blood disorder prevalent in Nigeria. It also places Kebbi among the few states taking concrete legislative steps toward preventive healthcare.
This development adds to Nigeria’s broader conversation on public health reforms, as the country continues to prioritize preventive measures in line with global best practices.
The Bureau News will continue to provide updates on the implementation of this law and its impact as part of its coverage of Nigeria News Today.
