Muslims to undergo HIV tests before marriage

Due to the high rate of HIV cases among married Muslim couples, religious leaders in the Kenyan town of Kilifi county now want the Chief Kadhi to make it compulsory for newlyweds to know their status before they get married.

Chairman of the Kilifi Interfaith and Religious Network, Sheikh Hussein says a study conducted by the National Aids Control Council and UNAids indicate new HIV infections in Kilifi stand at 44 per cent among stable and married couples. This is in the Global Aids Report released in 2012.

"Unlike the Christians, who have made it almost compulsory in most churches to have the tests conducted before couples are wedded, Muslims have not made it a habit. That should not be the case," Hussein told Kenyan daily newspaper .

Hussein also condemned the acts of homosexuality and revealed the need for Muslims to be educated at the risk.

"Residents need to be educated and sensitised on the dangers of homosexuality, especially among married couples. We insist it is wrong and it has so many negative implications," Hussein said.