Nigeria makes HIV/AIDS pre-marriage test mandatory
To make Nigeria a free HIV/AIDS nation and reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, Kaduna state Aids Control Agency, Christian Association of Nigeria, and Muslim organizations have made HIV/AIDS pre-marriage test compulsory for every couple before they could be joined in holy matrimony.
The Kaduna state Aids Control Agency reported that the number of infected HIV/AIDS victims in 2009 where increased by 7% in Kaduna state which are mainly women and children.
Speaking with the Executive Secretary of Kaduna state Aids Control Agency Honorable Patrick Katuka who made it known that the increase is due to the awareness and publicity been made on HIV/AIDS and people have began to come out to declare themselves positive.
“With the awareness, seminar, and publicity on HIV/AIDS stigmatization on people living with the diseases have reduce and people can now boldly come out for treat and by so doing the figures are bond to increase. It is a good thing that the number of rose up because it enables us to know the actual number of infected people in the state.”
The Agency, have 6-point Agenda that will enable them control the spread of HIV/AIDS, among the six point agenda include mandatory pre-married HIV/AIDS test for every couple within the state.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) accepted the pre-marriage HIV/AIDS test, the Secretary General Northern states and Abuja of Christian Association of Nigeria, S. Dogo stated that no one will be wedded without the proof of been HIV/AIDS free and if been positive the couple must be fully aware of the risk and dangers before proceeding.
“The pre-married HIV/AIDS test is welcomed and it is a good development, as a body of Christians in Nigeria we will summon all churches to conduct HIV/AIDS test before joining the couples in holy wedlock. The couples must know their status before they get married.”
To this end, the Muslim communities are yet to give their view regarding the development, however Muslims welcomes the development and said they will support the move by the Agency.