The Yobe State House of Assembly has expedited consideration of a bill mandating compulsory tests for sickle cell disease and hepatitis prior to marriage in the state.
The bill, sponsored by five legislators, received its second reading on Wednesday, marking a significant step towards its passage into law.
The bill is being spearheaded by Kachalla Ajiya Maina (Machina constituency), Mohammed Isa Bello (Mamudo), Nasiru Hassan Yusuf (Damaturu Central), Buba Ibrahim Kalallawa (Damaturu 2), and Sanda Kara Bade (Bade West constituencies).

Its aim is to prevent the spread of sickle cell disease and hepatitis, raise public awareness, and enhance access to treatment for the diseases.
Speaking in support of the proposed legislation, Maina highlighted the critical role the bill would play in safeguarding public health.
He noted that the bill would require compulsory haemoglobin genotype and viral hepatitis tests for couples before they are allowed to marry in Yobe State.
“When passed into law, this bill will not only curb the spread of sickle cell disease and hepatitis but will also promote public awareness and ensure early access to treatment for those affected,” Maina said.
The bill garnered widespread support from other members of the Assembly. Nasiru Hassan Yusuf, the majority leader, along with Bulama Bukar, Buba Ibrahim Kalallawa, and Sanda Kara Bade, emphasised the heavy burden of sickle cell disease, describing it as one of the major childhood killer diseases.
They also stressed the financial strain it places on families, particularly those with limited means.
“Sickle cell disease imposes a high cost of treatment, and the less privileged in our society often struggle to afford proper care for their children,” Yusuf stated.
He, along with his colleagues, expressed optimism that the proposed law would bring about positive change by reducing the incidence of preventable diseases and their associated complications.
In response to the second reading, the Speaker of the House, Chiroma Buba Mashio, established an ad hoc committee to further review the bill.
The committee, which will be chaired by Kachalla Ajiya Maina, the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, was given four weeks to complete its work and report back to the Assembly for further legislative action.
The introduction of this bill comes as part of broader efforts in Yobe State to improve public health outcomes and reduce the prevalence of hereditary and viral diseases through preventive measures.
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