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. 

Jeremiah discovered he had hepatitis B during a routine blood donation for a sick friend, which led to early detection of the virus. Before then, he had no awareness of hepatitis B and was shocked by the diagnosis. The news deeply affected his confidence—he withdrew from social activities, faced discrimination, and felt isolated. His relationship also suffered due to fear of stigma. With the support of his uncle, who helped him find a doctor and offered encouragement, Jeremiah began to regain hope. He now urges others to get tested and know their hepatitis B status early. 

Ibrahim felt sick for about a month until he found out he had hepatitis B. At the time, he was taken to the hospital and was tested for typhoid and malaria. He was treated with medication but continued to feel unwell, experiencing nausea and vomiting for about a month. His condition worsened and he was taken back to the hospital and that was when the doctor broke the news to him that he had hepatitis B. This impacted his daily life drastically as he felt like he had to isolate due to misconceptions about how the disease was spread. Even when he played football, he experienced discrimination from teammates. Despite the negative reactions from other people, he still continues to exercise to stay healthy.  

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, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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, 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 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.