Jigawa lawmakers enact law to curb spread of virus

The Jigawa State House of Assembly have enacted a law compelling intending couples to know their HIV status before marriage.

Reports further revealed that a fine of N500, 000 or and three years imprisonment have been stipulated for defaulter of the recently enacted law.

In the same vein, the law also prescribes appropriate punishment for any person charged with discrimination, stigmatisation or misgivings against HIV positive persons.

The law, it was gathered, is expected to curb the spread of the virus in the state while putting persons living with the virus under protection.

Appreciating the law, the Network of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (NEPWAN), Jigawa chapter, has commended the state government over the enactment of a law.

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The chairman of the group, Malam Abubakar Muhammad, said the law would control the spread of the scourge in the state.

“The law will also control stigma and other forms of discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS, especially in the rural communities,” Muhammad said.

Muhammad also called for effective enforcement of the law to control the scourge, stigma, and promote care and support services to persons living with it.