Introduction

For a long time, Africa was a continent where marriage relied primarily on family ties, traditions, and above all, shared love. Ceremonies were celebrated with fervour, blessings were pronounced, and commitments were sealed without any medical examination being considered. The very idea of testing before marriage seemed foreign and unnecessary, as people married with their hearts alone. Today, realities have changed. Silent diseases, genetic incompatibilities, and transmission risks have become major concerns. Love, no matter how sincere, is no longer enough to guarantee a secure future. Marrying without knowing your own health status and that of your partner can lead to serious, sometimes irreversible consequences. This article explores why premarital medical tests are crucial, the obstacles that hinder their adoption, and solutions for building a culture of “love screening,” where protecting oneself becomes an act of love.

The Deep Reasons Behind the Silence

In our African communities, customary or religious marriage is often considered sufficient. Administrative procedures, which sometimes require a medical certificate, are seen as secondary. Traditions, blessings, and bride price are prioritized, while health is rarely considered. Couples are celebrated without questioning biological compatibility or medical history. Additionally, there is persistent discomfort around intimate health topics. Discussing fertility, HIV, or genetic diseases remains delicate. Many fear that these subjects could break trust or cause breakups. Silence then becomes a protective strategy, which can end up being costly. Some couples discover too late a genetic incompatibility, a transmissible infection, or undiagnosed infertility. This silence is also fuelled by a lack of information. In both rural and urban areas, few campaigns clearly explain the importance of premarital tests. Young people are not always informed, and families do not know how to approach the topic. Even in schools or places of worship, premarital health is rarely taught as a vital issue. Finally, mistrust of the medical system persists. Some refuse testing out of fear of the results. They prefer to “let God decide” or rely on family and spiritual advice. While understandable, this choice can have serious consequences.

The Consequences of Not Testing

Medical silences before marriage can have heavy and sometimes irreversible consequences. In many cases, the absence of testing leads to the birth of children with sickle cell disease—a painful and costly genetic condition—that could have been avoided with a simple parental genotype check. Moreover, some biological incompatibilities or fertility issues are discovered only after marriage, causing painful breakups, family tensions, and deep distress. Psychological suffering linked to guilt, rejection, or isolation can also result, all of which could have been prevented by a simple gesture: getting tested, being honest, and deciding together.

Towards a Culture of “Love Screening”

Getting tested before uniting should never be seen as a sign of distrust, but rather as an act of love, responsibility, and foresight. Several approaches can encourage this practice. It would be relevant to integrate medical tests into official and religious procedures, accompanied by gentle education. Subsidizing tests for young couples, especially in rural areas, would help remove economic barriers. It is also essential to train community and religious leaders to become credible and sensitive advocates on this issue, contributing to a culture of “love screening” based on transparency and mutual protection.

Conclusion

In Africa, marriage remains a sacred act, full of hope, promises, and celebration. But behind the smiles and blessings, it is urgent to recognize that love alone is no longer enough to guarantee a secure future. Medical silences cost dearly in terms of health, pain, and disappointment. Getting tested before marriage lays the foundation for a union built on transparency, health, and trust. It also protects your partner, yourself, and gives your children a safer future. Changing mindsets will not happen overnight, but every action counts. Ultimately, telling the truth is about loving better—without shame or weakness.

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