Nigeria makes HIV/AIDS pre-marriage test mandatory

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