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.

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.

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.

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.

Philip learned he had hepatitis B during a routine screening at work, a diagnosis that initially left him in shock and unable to sleep. Over time, through counseling and self-education, he accepted his condition. Realizing the widespread lack of awareness about hepatitis B, even among healthcare professionals, Philip took action by founding an organization aimed at educating communities and schools about the disease. His journey has been challenging, particularly in Uganda, where hepatitis B is often referred to as a "silent killer" due to the lack of knowledge and attention it receives. Philip emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes, such as diet and avoiding toxins, to manage the disease and reduce its impact.

Naume discovered she had hepatitis B during an antenatal visit when routine tests were conducted. Initially shocked by the diagnosis, she received ongoing support from her doctor and family, especially her husband. Despite challenges in accessing medication due to financial constraints, Naume remains resilient. She emphasizes the importance of seeking medical advice and the vital role of family support, particularly for married couples, where one partner may be affected by hepatitis B. Naume wants others to know that with proper care and support, living with hepatitis B is manageable.

Susan found out that she had hepatitis B during her pregnancy check-up. Later, her parents and husband were all found to have either hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or both. Luckily, her parents were successfully cured of the infections, and her husband is on long-term antiviral therapy. They all have healthy liver conditions and she hope that everyone with hepatitis B (or C) can have access to treatment. Hepatitis B is the main cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Early treatment of hepatitis B can reduce the risk of liver diseases.

Rolex describes his life with hepatitis B in the local language spoken in Uganda. He describes how he first found out about hepatitis B and the impacts it had on his life.

Esther describes her life with hepatitis B in the local language spoken in Uganda. She describes how she first found out about hepatitis B and the impacts it had on her life.

Yasmin describes her life with hepatitis B in the local language spoken in Uganda. She describes how she first found out about hepatitis B and the impacts it had on her life.

Bridget describes her life with hepatitis B in the local language spoken in Uganda. She describes how she first found out about hepatitis B and the impacts it had on her life.

Matthew describes his life with hepatitis B in the local language spoken in Uganda. He describes how he first found out about hepatitis B and the impacts it had on his life.

Abby talks about her journey from initial symptoms to discovering she had hepatitis B. Abby discusses how the diagnosis impacted her life, the lifestyle changes she made to manage her condition, and the challenges she faced, including stigma and limitations on travel. Abby emphasizes the importance of regular check-ups and shares an encouraging message about living a normal life with proper management

Susan shares her experience of being diagnosed with hepatitis B during a government testing and vaccination program. Initially, she did not fully understand the disease and took it lightly. However, a subsequent test three years later revealed that the disease persisted, which significantly impacted her. With proper medical guidance and effective medication, Susan's health improved, although the cost of treatment remains a challenge. She emphasizes that hepatitis B is not a death sentence and encourages others to stay strong, follow medical advice, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Stanly discovered he had chronic hepatitis B during a health check in vocational school, but did not pay much attention to it. Before his military service, his liver function test showed abnormal results, but he had no symptoms and remained unconcerned. It wasn't until he started working that he experienced two episodes of acute hepatitis, with symptoms like loss of appetite and jaundice. After recovering from two hospitalizations, he seemed to be fine. Over the next ten years, a company health check revealed cirrhosis and moderate fatty liver. Stanly then successfully lost weight and eliminated the fatty liver, and has continued antiviral treatment for hepatitis B to this day.

Silvio describes his life with hepatitis B in the local language spoken in Uganda. He describes how he first found out about hepatitis B and the impacts its had on his life.

Debo describes his life with hepatitis B in the local language spoken in Uganda. He describes how he first found out about hepatitis B and the impacts its had on his life.

Diane shares her journey of living with Hepatitis B, starting from her diagnosis at 18 while applying for a job to her experiences during her pregnancies. She discusses the challenges she faced and how she found support through the Yellow Warrior Society Philippines. Diane highlights the importance of education, awareness, and vaccination to prevent Hepatitis B. Learn about her advocacy work and how she now volunteers to spread awareness and support others facing similar challenges.

Kattah's journey with hepatitis B began in 2012. Since then, he has regularly monitored his liver health and faced significant stigma from family members due to misunderstandings about how hepatitis B is transmitted. This stigma and discrimination have been a challenging part of his experience.

Recently, Kattah received a job offer but was rejected because of his hepatitis B status. Despite these setbacks, he is committed to improving his lifestyle by avoiding alcohol and drugs, exercising, and maintaining a balanced diet. Kattah's story highlights that people living with chronic hepatitis B can live long and healthy lives if they manage their condition well.

He urges policymakers to develop policies that support individuals with hepatitis B. Watch Kattah's inspiring journey and learn more about living with and managing hepatitis B.

Joseph shares his emotional journey after being diagnosed with hepatitis B during a job application process for a position in Iraq. After rigorous medical tests, Joseph and a colleague received the devastating news that they had the virus, which disqualified them from the job. Faced with this life-changing diagnosis, Joseph fell into despair and turned to alcohol, choosing to keep his condition a secret from everyone, including his family. In a country with limited specialized medical care, Joseph's struggle became even more challenging, especially after losing his brother to the same disease. Despite these hardships, Joseph learned that it is possible to live with hepatitis B with proper care and support. This powerful story highlights the importance of online resources in managing hepatitis B. Interviewers: National Organisation for People Living with Hepatitis B (NOPLHB) https://noplhb.org/