Sonia from Nigeria learned she was living with Hepatitis B in 2020 after her mother took the family for a routine health checkup. The diagnosis deeply affected her, causing emotional trauma and making it difficult for her to focus on her studies at the time. She also experienced stigma and discrimination, with some friends and family distancing themselves or questioning if she was contagious. Despite these challenges, Sonia adjusted her lifestyle, became more mindful of her health, and found strength in advocating for hepatitis B awareness. She encourages others to get tested, take control of their health, get vaccinated, and treat people living with hepatitis B with kindness and respect. 

Dr. Elibariki shares how he was unexpectedly diagnosed with hepatitis B while donating blood as a medical student, a moment that completely changed his life. What began as an act of kindness quickly turned into fear, uncertainty, and emotional distress, especially after receiving discouraging reactions from healthcare providers. The diagnosis deeply affected his mental health, career aspirations, and sense of purpose, leaving him feeling disconnected and hopeless. With the support of friends and a compassionate specialist, Dr. Elibariki reframed his diagnosis as a calling to help others rather than a limitation. Today, he encourages people living with hepatitis B to prioritize their mental well-being, share their stories to break stigma, and embrace their dreams with courage, resilience, and hope. 

Ecaterina from the Republic of Moldova shares her journey living with hepatitis B, a diagnosis she first received in 2010 and was initially told not to worry about. After years without monitoring, her health declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she learned her hepatitis B had progressed, requiring urgent treatment. Having witnessed her mother’s suffering and early death from hepatitis-related complications, Ecaterina chose to take action and eventually joined a clinical trial, finding hope through both medical care and community support. Her story highlights the importance of regular monitoring, access to treatment, and the different ways hepatitis can affect individuals. Ecaterina encourages others to stay informed, seek care without shame, and hold on to hope. 

Alelyn shares how her hepatitis B diagnosis led to deep depression, fueled by fear, lack of information, and uncertainty about her future and her children. After struggling alone, she found hope and support through the Yellow Warriors Society of the Philippines, which became a second family that helped her regain strength and purpose. Through their guidance, Alelyn learned about hepatitis B, accessed the Kendall Study, and received free medical checkups, lab tests, and ongoing care. With proper monitoring and support, she has remained healthy and optimistic, and all of her children are hepatitis B–free. Alelyn now encourages others living with hepatitis B to speak up, seek support, and never lose hope, emphasizing that awareness, community, and continued advocacy are key to healing and finding a cure. 

Hilario discovered he had hepatitis B in 2014 during his company’s annual medical examination, which led to workplace discrimination and deep emotional distress. Struggling with depression, fear, and financial limitations, he tried various ineffective remedies and experienced significant anxiety about his health and future. Claire found the Yellow Warriors Society of the Philippines, which provided guidance, community, and hope, helping Hilario regain purpose and support. Together, they became active advocates, raising awareness about hepatitis B, educating others, and reducing stigma while managing Hilario’s health through regular checkups. They emphasize resilience, gratitude, and the importance of seeking support, encouraging others with hepatitis B to live fully without fear and to advocate for themselves and others. 

Chona was diagnosed with hepatitis B during her fourth pregnancy in 2012, a moment that brought fear, trauma, and intense stigma as multiple hospitals refused to accept her for care. Through an online search, she found support from Yellow Warriors of the Philippines, who helped her understand the importance of timely vaccination and immunoglobulin for her newborn despite limited access to care. Although her experience deeply affected her physical and emotional health, Chona found strength, community, and hope through advocacy groups and faith. Today, she ensures her children are vaccinated, attends regular checkups, and encourages others living with hepatitis B not to lose hope or let stigma define their lives. 

Tatu, a nurse, shares how she was unexpectedly diagnosed with hepatitis B after participating in a free testing and awareness campaign in 2015. The diagnosis was shocking and difficult, especially as she navigated stigma, fear of disclosure, and concerns about her career and relationships. Through counseling, education, and community support, Tatu learned that living with hepatitis B is not the end of life. Today, she uses her lived experience to support patients and educate her community about the importance of knowing your status and seeking care. Tatu encourages others not to remain silent, reminding us that with support, medical care, and understanding, people living with hepatitis B can live full and meaningful lives. 

Gourav, originally from India and now living in Switzerland, shares that he has been living with hepatitis B for nearly a decade. He first discovered his infection in India, where a lack of awareness and misinformation led him to ignore it for years. After moving to Switzerland, proper medical care allowed him to finally understand his condition and begin treatment. He hopes his story raises awareness, especially in India, about the importance of testing, accurate information, and vaccination. Gourav encourages others living with hepatitis B to stay strong, seek proper care, and remain hopeful for a future cure. 

Alexei has lived with hepatitis B for over twenty years and once faced hepatitis C as well, navigating both diagnoses while overcoming drug dependence as a teenager in Russia. After finding judgment-free support through harm-reduction services, he eventually cleared hepatitis C and later achieved a functional cure for hepatitis B. His journey from stigma and isolation to peer counseling and global advocacy shows the life-changing power of compassion, connection, and accessible care. Today, Alexei shares his story to raise awareness that hepatitis is preventable and treatable — and that early action saves lives. His message is clear: when people with lived experience speak up, they can change systems and inspire hope. 

Dan, from Romania, was diagnosed with both hepatitis B and hepatitis D in 2014 during routine testing. Over the past 11 years, he has learned to cope with his diagnosis through the support of his family, friends, and doctors. He considers himself fortunate to have access to good healthcare and to be part of a community that helps him stay informed and hopeful. By sharing his story, Dan hopes to raise awareness and inspire others living with hepatitis D, especially those in regions with fewer resources and support.

Patrick first learned he was living with hepatitis B during a routine medical test in Malawi, despite feeling completely healthy. With no specialized treatment facilities available, he managed his status through regular checkups. But when career opportunities abroad arose, his dreams were cut short — denied work permits in Jordan and Iraq solely because of his hepatitis B status. Now back in Malawi, Patrick speaks out against discrimination, reminding us that people with hepatitis B can live healthy, productive lives. He shares his story to call for change so that skills, not medical reports, define opportunity. 

Mark was diagnosed with hepatitis B at the age of 18. He discovered he had hepatitis B when he was applying for a job at a fast-food chain that required testing and screening. Mark was heartbroken, as his status hindered his dreams of working abroad, and he lost interest in activities he normally enjoyed. He was lost and had no idea how or where he contracted hepatitis B, but luckily, he had supportive parents and loved ones. He joined the Yellow Warriors Society of the Philippines (YWSP), where he found others who are also living with hepatitis B. Mark now volunteers with YWSP to educate his local community and people around the world about hepatitis B.

James, 27, is one of four siblings, out of five, who have hepatitis B. He first learned about the disease when his sister tested positive. Following this, his father urged the entire family to get tested. James encourages others not to let their status get in the way of enjoying their lives.

Julie Ann, 36, learned that she had hepatitis B when she was pregnant with her first child. Julie was shocked because, when she was a nursing student, she had been medically required to get a hepatitis B vaccine, and during a visit to an infectious disease doctor, she was told she was nonreactive. She joined the Yellow Warrior Society, where she participated in a five-year study called CANDLE. Julie urges others to end the stigma and discrimination against people with hepatitis B.

Rodel, 54, experienced rejection from a former partner upon revealing his hepatitis B status and has remained single ever since. He speaks about the challenges he has encountered in securing employment as an overseas worker due to his condition. Rodel shares his journey of accepting and living with chronic hepatitis B.

In 2016, after her brother was rejected for employment due to a Hepatitis B diagnosis, Imee from the Philippines discovered that she and three of her five siblings also tested positive for the disease. Lacking proper knowledge about Hepatitis B, she sought information online and medical advice but struggled with the high costs of treatment and regular health monitoring. Facing depression and job loss, she found support through the Yellow Warrior Society of the Philippines, where she now advocates for awareness, equal rights, and better government support for Hepatitis B patients. She remains hopeful for future affordable treatments and the passage of anti-discrimination laws.

Dilrabo’s journey with hepatitis B began 18 years ago, but everything changed when she was later diagnosed with hepatitis D. At first, she felt fear, confusion, and isolation — unsure how to move forward. With the help of her caregiver and support from others living with hepatitis B and D, she slowly found strength and hope. Today, she manages her health through medication, lifestyle changes, and self-care. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of support, staying positive, and never giving up. 

After Maryam's mother passed away from hepatitis B, she was advised to get screened. She found out she was positive for hepatitis B. Jenesso Development Initiative helped her get screened and helped her find medication which helped her feel better. Her children were screened shortly after. It was a difficult time for her since she was scared that she would suffer the same fate as her mother. She encourages others to get screened and to know their health status.  

Frank's journey with hepatitis B began in 2022 when he experienced persistent chest pain. After further tests in 2023, he learned he had contracted hepatitis B, a diagnosis that left him feeling discouraged and fearful, especially given the high death rate and lack of support in Sierra Leone. With encouragement from his wife, Frank found the courage to search for treatment, eventually finding a doctor who provided him with medication that helped his body build antibodies. Despite setbacks, Frank continues to rely on his faith, determination, and the support of his family as he faces the ongoing challenge of managing the virus. His message to others is to accept their condition, stay strong, and never lose hope. 

Dilnora has been caring for her sister with hepatitis B since 2005, offering physical, emotional, and logistical support throughout her health journey. After her sister was later diagnosed with hepatitis D, Dilnora shifted her academic and professional focus to hepatitis education and advocacy. She pursued graduate studies in health communication, worked as a patient navigator and researcher, and helped launch a support group for people with hepatitis B and D in Uzbekistan and the U.S. Dilnora emphasizes the importance of mental health, family communication, and community support in managing chronic illness.