Stakeholders in Sokoto State are calling for mandatory premarital screening for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) to address an increasing number of cases affecting married couples across the region.
The call was made at a media roundtable organized by Development Communications (DevComs) in collaboration with The Challenge Initiative (TCI) at Dankani Guest Inn, Sokoto.
The district head of Gagi, Sani Jabbi, highlighted the impact of STDs on families in Sokoto, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention.
“We are witnessing an innocent population suffering, and we’re not doing enough to stop this. The government’s responsibility is to safeguard the lives and health of its people. We must mobilize leaders and authorities, armed with clear data, to address this serious issue before it grows worse,” said Jabbi.
Mr. Tukur Garba Magaji from the Sokoto State Ministry of Health supported the advocacy, stating that mandatory premarital testing could significantly reduce the spread of STDs.
“This measure is essential for protecting our communities. Without it, we will struggle to curb the rise in STD cases among married couples,” he noted.
The Chairman of Sokoto State Ward Development Committee, Gadanga Bala voiced similar concerns, pointing out that several Nigerian states already have such policies as prerequisites for marriage.
“Sokoto cannot afford to lag. By implementing this policy, we can promote healthier behaviour and ensure greater well-being for our people,” he said.
Participants also discussed condom use trends, revealing that many condom users in Sokoto are unmarried individuals, raising concerns among some community leaders about adolescent behaviour.
Research presented at the event, including a survey by a Nigerian think tank, found that over 55% of the general population used condoms with non-marital partners.
The Sokoto State Coordinator for TCI, Dr. Bello Kilgori, clarified that TCI’s initiatives focus on married couples, ensuring that STD prevention resources reach their intended recipients.
“Our goal is to support married couples and ensure proper use of preventive methods to reduce STD spread within families,” Dr. Kilgori explained.
Jabbi urged religious leaders to engage more actively in raising awareness about the dangers of irresponsible sexual behaviour among youth.
He stressed the importance of cooperation between government, traditional, and religious leaders to enforce premarital screening, protect public health, and promote responsible reproductive health practices across Sokoto.
