#BtheVoice Video Library

The B the Voice story bank is a global effort to elevate the voices of those living with hepatitis B. It’s a compliment to the #justB storytelling campaign that focuses on the U.S. Each story is unique and is told by a person living with hepatitis B. Many of the topics covered by the storytellers include stigma, discrimination, access to healthcare and more.

Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

SF’s story of living with hepatitis B in France

SF believes he contracted hepatitis B around 15 years ago but was unaware of it until he moved to France in 2019. He donated blood at a college event, where he was informed that his blood was "not good," but he received no further details. Over the years, he felt unwell but didn't know it was hepatitis B. After testing in France, he discovered he had chronic hepatitis B and began treatment. SF emphasized the importance of getting regular health check-ups to know one's health status, particularly in regions where hepatitis B is prevalent. Despite his diagnosis, he has been living a relatively normal life with his wife and four children, and his wife does not have hepatitis B. He expressed gratitude for his health and urged others to be cautious about their health and relationships. 

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

LK’s story of living with hepatitis B in Sierra Leone

LK found out he had hepatitis B in 2017 after falling ill and undergoing a lab test. Initially unaware of the disease, he researched online and learned it was serious, leading to significant worry, especially since he had just completed college and lacked financial resources. Although his uncle helped him afford medication initially, he eventually could no longer provide support, forcing LK to stop taking his prescribed drugs. This situation has made it challenging for him to manage his health, and he feels the need to hide his condition from friends due to the stigma associated with hepatitis B. 

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

Ntow’s story of living with hepatitis B in Ghana

Ntow found out she had hepatitis B after experiencing symptoms like headaches and loss of appetite. Facing discrimination from friends, she struggled with shame and isolation but, with her mother's support, continued her education. Ntow now focuses on living a healthy life, eating more fruits, and staying hydrated. She advises others with hepatitis B to take care of themselves, practice safe habits, and not be weighed down by others' opinions. Despite initial feelings of hopelessness, Ntow emphasizes the importance of seeking advice and moving forward with life. 

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

Onesphore’s story of living with hepatitis B in Burundi

Onesphore, from Burundi, discovered he had hepatitis B in 2002 while serving in the military. He was born with the virus, which had claimed the lives of several family members, including his father and grandfather. When a nurse informed him about his diagnosis, suggesting the virus might clear in six months, he felt deeply upset as it hindered his ability to serve and save lives during a critical time in his country. 

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

Ibrahim’s story of living with hepatitis B in Nigeria

Ibrahim shares his personal journey of discovering he has hepatitis B after seeking medical help for his mother. Despite the shock and financial hardships he faced, including the inability to afford both food and medication, Ibrahim emphasizes the importance of perseverance. He advises others in similar situations to stay focused, follow medical advice, and continue living their lives. His story sheds light on the challenges of managing hepatitis B in difficult circumstances.

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

Jane’s story of living with hepatitis B in Nigeria

Jane reveals her emotional journey after being diagnosed with hepatitis B at just 20 years old during a church health screening. Shocked and confused, she faced isolation and stigma, particularly in Nigeria, where the virus is met with harsh judgment, as exemplified by her uncle’s household dismissing their maid for testing positive. Jane’s story unfolds the painful reality of contracting the virus from her mother and ultimately losing her to the same illness. Yet, through her struggles, Jane emerges as a beacon of hope, urging others to get tested and seek support. Her powerful message challenges the stigma and advocates for understanding and awareness, transforming her journey into a call for change. 

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

Denise’s story of living with hepatitis B in Alaska

Denise, at 14 years old, discovered she was a hepatitis B carrier after a routine visit to the Alaska Native Medical Center. The experience was disorienting, especially without her parents present. Over the years, she has stayed vigilant with her health, consistently following up with her doctor every six months for blood work and liver imaging. Denise encourages others with hepatitis B to remain proactive with their medical care and hopes for a cure in the future. 

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

Teresa’s story of living with hepatitis B in Sudan

Teresa shares her personal experience with hepatitis B, which she discovered during a mass testing in Uganda after being displaced due to the South Sudan war. She reflects on the emotional toll, including the stigma and isolation she faced from her community and family. Teresa emphasizes the importance of seeking medical advice, understanding viral loads, and speaking up about hepatitis B. She also discusses the critical need for screening pregnant women to protect newborns, particularly in South Sudan, where awareness and preventive measures are lacking. 

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

Irinam’s story of living with hepatitis B in Nigeria

When life scientist Irianm discovered he had hepatitis B, the diagnosis shook him to his core. As someone who had spent years counseling others on viral hepatitis, he never expected to find himself on the other side. His journey from shock and confusion to hope and advocacy offers a powerful reminder that hepatitis B is treatable—and that listening to those who've lived through it can be life-changing.

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

Geoffery’s story of living with hepatitis B in Uganda

Geoffrey discovered he had hepatitis B during a routine medical checkup while working in a laboratory during his internship. After confirming the diagnosis with a medical director, he learned that he was born with the infection. Throughout his journey, Geoffrey faced stigma from classmates and colleagues, and spent money on ineffective treatments. With guidance from his doctors, he avoided alcohol and unnecessary medications, which helped him manage his condition without experiencing symptoms. 

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

Alex’s story of living with hepatitis B in Taiwan

Alex found out he has hepatitis B during community screening and has continued to follow up regularly since then. Two years ago, his liver enzymes began to rise, and the doctor recommended starting medication. Alex hopes that Taiwan’s health insurance can relax the number of years of hepatitis B drug treatment and provide doctors with longer consultation time. He also suggests that patients can make more use of community internal medicine clinics for follow-up. Hepatitis B is the main cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Early treatment of hepatitis B can reduce the risk of liver diseases.

 

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

Will’s story of living with hepatitis B in China

Will discovered he had hepatitis B at age 15 during a routine physical examination and later learned about his condition when he failed a blood test for a job opportunity. Initially indifferent to his diagnosis, he became overwhelmed with emotions when he realized he would live with the virus for life. Hepatitis B has significantly impacted his lifestyle, forcing him to abstain from alcohol and causing feelings of inferiority and fear of stigma. Will advises others with the virus to accept their condition, undergo regular medical check-ups, and maintain a positive outlook through exercise and social interactions. He emphasizes the importance of managing one's health and staying active despite the challenges of living with hepatitis B.

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

PB’s story of living with hepatitis B in Nigeria

PB, a medical lab scientist, discovered she had hepatitis B in July 2019 during a testing event she helped organize to encourage others to know their status. Shocked by her positive result, PB retested to confirm the diagnosis. Since then, she has been actively promoting hepatitis B awareness, encouraging others to get tested, and even supporting those who lack the resources to seek treatment. Her advocacy is fueled by the loss of a fellow church member to the disease, which has deepened her commitment to helping others.

 

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

TJ’s story of living with hepatitis B in Nigeria

TJ discovered he had hepatitis B during a required pre-marital examination, despite having been vaccinated years earlier. Though symptom-free, the diagnosis has had a significant impact on his life, particularly in job opportunities where he faces disqualification due to his hepatitis B status. This has led to psychological distress, as the stigma and uncertainty surrounding the virus weigh heavily on him.

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

Fr Benjamin’s story of living with hepatitis B in Ghana

Father Benjamin first learned about hepatitis B through his brother's diagnosis. Concerned about his brother's chronic cough, their family arranged for testing, which revealed that both his brother and their deceased sibling had the virus. While studying in the U.S., he learned more about hepatitis B and tried to find effective treatments for his brother, who was initially receiving herbal remedies. The situation worsened over the years, leading to his brother suffering from liver cirrhosis and eventually passing away. Father Benjamin described the experience as financially and emotionally taxing, resulting in significant stress and anxiety for him and his family as they navigated the challenges of his brother's illness.

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

John’s story of living with hepatitis B in Nigeria

John discusses the lack of awareness and support for those living with hepatitis B in his home country, Nigeria. He shares his experience of discovering his diagnosis after routine blood tests and the challenges of managing the condition, including the high cost of medication. John emphasizes the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, staying consistent with checkups, and maintaining hope, drawing inspiration from others who have lived long and healthy lives with the disease.

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

Amanda’s story of living with hepatitis B in the United Kingdom

Amanda, a 67-year-old ex-teacher, discovered she had hepatitis B in December 2019 after extensive blood tests for her Crohn's disease flagged the infection. She initially had no knowledge of hepatitis B, leading her to a dark and confusing time. Amanda's experience highlights the stigma and misinformation surrounding the disease, as she struggled to understand her diagnosis amidst prevalent stereotypes.

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

Yahaya’s story of living with hepatitis B in Nigeria

Yahaya's journey with hepatitis B began unexpectedly in May 2019, when he went to donate blood for his cousin. After the blood test, he noticed the doctor's concerned expression, which led to the diagnosis of hepatitis B. At the time, Yahaya knew little about the disease, understanding only that it was viral and had two types, one being a "silent killer." This diagnosis profoundly changed his life and how he interacted with others. In March 2022, before marrying, Yahaya ensured that his wife was tested and immunized against hepatitis B. He also took steps to protect his newborn nephew by advocating for early vaccination. Although he faced challenges and skepticism from his family, Yahaya emphasized the importance of acknowledging the seriousness of hepatitis B and taking preventive measures.

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

Francis’ story of living with hepatitis B in Nigeria

Francis was just 16 years old when a hepatitis B outbreak at his school led to his diagnosis. His mother, a medical professional, reassured him that he could still live a full life if he took the necessary precautions. However, the news deeply impacted Francis, leading to a period of emotional turmoil that affected his relationships and his aspirations. Despite his passion for cake decorating, the stigma and challenges associated with his condition made it difficult for him to pursue his dreams. Over time, Francis found the strength to move forward, deciding to live life fully and not let his condition define him. He believes that whatever challenges you face should motivate you to be a blessing to others, and he encourages others to leave the stigma behind and embrace life.

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Michelle Liu Michelle Liu

J’s story of living with hepatitis B in Nigeria

J discovered she had hepatitis B during a routine antenatal visit while pregnant. The diagnosis was a shock, especially since she had lost two in-laws to the disease. Overwhelmed with fear for her unborn child, she was reassured by medical staff that hepatitis B was not a death sentence and that her baby could be protected through vaccination. This brought her relief, and she focused on ensuring her child’s health. For four years, J has been attending regular clinic visits, monitoring her viral load, and following medical advice. She advises others with hepatitis B to remain calm, avoid harmful substances like alcohol, and maintain regular check-ups with their doctors.

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