#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.
AD’s Story of Living with Hepatitis B in Uganda
AD tested positive for hepatitis B in 2017, which deeply impacted him mentally and emotionally, especially as he was the only one in his family who tested positive. He faced stigma in his community but was determined to manage his health by following medical advice and starting treatment. AD emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from trained professionals and adhering strictly to treatment. Since beginning his medication, his viral load has dropped to undetectable levels. He encourages others living with hepatitis B to stay committed to their treatment plans for the best outcomes.
BA’s Story of Living with Hepatitis B in Ghana
BA, a nurse from northern Ghana, discovered he was living with hepatitis B during a blood donation attempt to save a child. The diagnosis, which was not handled confidentially, deeply affected him and led him to seek confirmation and care. Despite the initial shock, BA has turned his experience into a mission, educating others and leading hepatitis B vaccination efforts in rural communities. With 16 years in nursing, he sees each encounter with hepatitis B as a chance to raise awareness and offer hope. BA encourages others living with the virus to stay positive, reminding them that there is life and hope after diagnosis.
Alex’s Story of Living with Hepatitis B in Texas
Alex shares his journey of living with hepatitis B for over 50 years, beginning with symptoms he experienced as a young man in Hong Kong. He was officially diagnosed by Dr. Andrew at Hope Clinic in Houston, who informed him that he likely contracted the virus from his mother. Alex reflects on the stigma he has faced as an Asian person living with hepatitis B and emphasizes the importance of community education and awareness. He encourages others to live a healthy lifestyle, stay positive, and not let the diagnosis define their lives.
N’s Story of Living with Hepatitis B in Pakistan
N discovered they had hepatitis B while in university after attempting to donate blood. The diagnosis left them in shock, and they felt overwhelmed with fear and worry, particularly about how their mother would react, as she had high expectations for them. N initially struggled with isolation and fear of being avoided by friends, but they eventually came to terms with their condition. Their journey began with confusion and anxiety, but they now seek to offer advice to others facing a similar situation.
Richard’s Story of Living with Hepatitis B in Nigeria
Richard from Nigeria shares his personal experience of discovering he was positive for hepatitis B. He explains how education on hepatitis B, including screenings and lifestyle changes, positively impacted his life. He emphasizes the importance of awareness and encourages others living with hepatitis B to stay positive despite discrimination.
Solomon’s Story of Living with Hepatitis B in Nigeria
Solomon discovered he was positive for hepatitis B in July 2023, which changed his life drastically, bringing challenges like stigma, trauma, and discrimination. Initially, he was devastated and regretted not knowing about the virus earlier, as he would have taken the vaccine to prevent it. Despite the hardships, he is now in a much better place and encourages everyone to get tested, know their health status, and work towards eradicating hepatitis B.
Taoheedah’s hepatitis B experience in Nigeria
Taoheedah Abdul Karim is a passionate public health advocate in Nigeria with five years of experience in community health projects, focusing on hepatitis B and HIV. Her advocacy journey began after diagnosing a pregnant woman with hepatitis B while working as a lab assistant in 2023, which led her to get tested and vaccinated. She then encouraged her colleagues and family to do the same and later founded the "Health for All Initiative for Community Health" to promote health education and interventions. Through her organization, she has led various hepatitis awareness and prevention projects, aiming to eliminate public health threats. Taoheedah emphasizes the importance of hepatitis B testing and vaccination in preventing liver cancer and is committed to raising awareness across grassroots communities in Nigeria.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.