The Kano State Hisbah Board has kicked off a large-scale medical screening programme for 3,000 prospective couples expected to participate in the state’s upcoming mass wedding initiative.
Speaking in a telephone interview on Sunday, the board’s Deputy Commander General, Sheikh Mujahedeen Aminudeen, revealed that the exercise will commence on Monday across 24 local government areas of the state.
According to him, the screening will involve 1,500 men and 1,500 women who have registered for the programme.
“The objective of this exercise is to ascertain the health status of all registered participants before they are cleared to take part in the mass wedding,” Aminudeen said.
He explained that the Hisbah Board, in partnership with the Kano State Ministry of Health and the State Agency for the Control of AIDS, has concluded arrangements to conduct a range of medical tests.
“We will be screening participants for HIV/AIDS, genotype compatibility, hepatitis B, drug abuse, gonorrhoea, and other sexually transmitted infections to ensure they are medically fit,” he stated.
Aminudeen urged all registered applicants to report to Hisbah offices in their respective local government areas, stressing that participation in the screening is compulsory.
“Anyone who fails to appear for the medical screening will automatically lose his or her place in the programme,” he warned.
He further noted that only candidates who successfully meet the medical requirements would be eligible to proceed.
“Only those who pass the mandatory health screening will be allowed to participate in the mass wedding ceremony,” he added.
The Kano State Government recently revived the mass wedding programme under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as part of efforts to support individuals facing financial difficulties in getting married, while also addressing social issues across the state.